Declan Rice played a key role in Arsenal’s latest 1-0 victory against Burnley as Mikel Arteta’s side are one win away from becoming Premier League champions.
Rice was solid against Burnley in his holding midfield role, breaking up play and helping David Raya keep yet another clean sheet.
The England international has been moved to his natural position in recent weeks and he has looked right at home.
Arsenal have opened talks to extend Rice’s contract beyond 2028 and as he stepped up yet again for the Gunners, Gary Neville commented on his showing.
Gary Neville picks Declan Rice as Arsenal’s best player against Burnley
Neville believes that Rice’s Arsenal side were far from their brilliant best against Burnley. After Kai Havertz scored the one and only goal of the game in the first half, one would have expected the hosts to run riot at the Emirates Stadium.
However, that was far from the case, even though Raya kept his 19th clean sheet in the league the season, going level David Seaman, who did so twice in the 1993/1994 and 1998/1999 campaigns.
Most clean sheets in a Premier League season for Arsenal:
◎ 19 – David Seaman (1993/94)
◎ 19 – David Seaman (1998/99)
◉ 19 – David Raya (2025/26) 🆕
The Spaniard equals the record. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/satsIvv70E
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 18, 2026
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gary Neville claimed Rice was Arsenal’s best player against Burnley, stating: “It’s not been an amazing performance by Arsenal, but Rice been the better of the group. He’s just held it together in midfield.”
More to follow…
Srinivas Sadhanand
Srinivas Sadhanand is a writer for Read Arsenal and Read Man City, with over eight years of experience as a sports journalist. He has worked for established companies such as GRV Media, The Economic Times, Urban Pitch and Sportskeeda among several others. From interview athletes to writing detailed tactical pieces and covering the impact streetwear and music in football, he has many strings to his bow as a journalist. Being a lifelong Manchester City fan, he specialises in writing about them and the Premier League in particular. Away from the desk, he loves watching European football, cricket, films, listening to music and exploring new foods.
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