Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer praised the second-half performance of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after the Premier League win over Leeds United.
The Gunners picked up their fifth victory of the league campaign on Saturday. They came from 1-0 down against Leeds to register a memorable 2-1 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Riccardo Calafiori led the comeback with a crucial equaliser before Bruno Guimaraes came off the bench to score the winning goal from the edge of the box in the 70th minute.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Shearer said Arsenal were passive and lethargic during the opening half, with sideways passes, but fared much better after Guimaraes was introduced.
The 56-year-old praised Guimaraes’ great goal but also heaped praise on Rice, saying he was ‘very good’ in the second half against Daniel Farke’s side yesterday.
Shearer said: “They moved the ball a lot better in the second half. I thought it was all a bit slow and passive and a bit lethargic in the first half, with too many sideways passes – not enough penetration.
“Once Bruno came on and moved it a bit better, he scored a great goal. Declan Rice, I thought, was very good in the second half.”
Guimaraes made the headlines with his winning goal for the second time this campaign. The Brazil international has already proved a brilliant acquisition for the Gunners from Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, Rice was brilliant against Leeds too. The Englishman has been managing neural hamstring pain this year and got a well-earned three-week rest during the recent international break.
The midfielder showed a tremendous work rate yesterday and particularly stepped up in the second half after Leeds’ goal. He provided the assist for Guimaraes’ strike with a lovely back flick.
Aside from his goal contribution, Rice completed 63 passes from 89 touches. He won an impressive nine ground and aerial duels, along with four clearances, three recoveries and two tackles.
Arsenal have moved to 15 points after six league matches. They are currently just goal difference behind leaders Manchester City, who face an injury-hampered Liverpool side at Anfield today.
The Gunners will be in Champions League action against Lille at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
Stats from Sofascore.com