Arsenal news: Declan Rice took to social media after his bright display in a more advanced role for the Gunners Emirates Cup win against AS Monaco
Declan Rice has sent a heartfelt message to Arsenal fans after his first appearance at Emirates Stadium came on Wednesday evening. Despite a minor injury concern, Mikel Arteta named his record-breaking signing in the starting XI of the Emirates Cup clash against AS Monaco.
The 24-year-old made his debut for the Gunners against the MLS All-Stars before his first starting berth arrived the following week against Manchester United. However, it didn't quite go to plan with United running out 2-0 winners as the midfield three of Rice, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz were significantly overrun.
Following that display, Arteta chose to start Thomas Partey alongside Rice with the latter deployed in a more advanced role. Following his north London debut, Rice took to social media to thank the supporters inside the stadium.
On twitter, he wrote: "Blown away by the reception I received before the game! Loved my first minutes at the Emirates, We keep building & pushing. Thank you Gunners, *red heart emoji*". In the first half, Rice linked up superbly with Gabriel Martinelli and had a golden chance to put Arsenal ahead.
An overhit pass by Fabio Vieira was snapped up by Rice, who dodged two challenges to open up a shot in the box, but a last-ditch tackle saw the effort deflected behind for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Eddie Nketiah volleyed home Martinelli's corner to level the clash, with Arteta giving his verdict on Rice's opportunity and his role in the first half
"Yes, I thought so because I didn't see a defender coming so quick," Arteta said when asked about Rice's great chance. "He played more advanced today, he played more as an attacking midfielder today, it was the first time that he's played there. He's on the journey to get back to his best and adapt to the team."
Arteta has a plethora of options in that advanced eight role with Leandro Trossard delivering another bright performance in the position. Emile Smith Rowe was also deployed centrally but struggled to impact the game as much as Rice and Trossard.
Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team, or loaned out for experience? Swipe to have your say...
Jizablprsy
0
Start like this against Man City and it's job done! The bench will look good: Bologun, Martinelli, Jourginho, Kiwior, Turner.
Jizablprsy
1
The writers are showing their bias towards Rice. With Arteta it's understandable considering he was the mug that paid £105mil for a player not worth more than £35mil with his current thinking and set of skills. So here's my rating of Rice's performance: 5.5, and that's only because he put in a couple of decent crosses, and had an opportunity on goal that he should have put away. Rice is not ready to start in midfield anywhere, but where he could start is wide up top on the left. It's Timber who should play in the so termed Xhaka role along side Partey and Odegaard, with Trossard through the middle up top and Saka wide on the right up top. Tommy left, Ben Right, either side of Gabriel and Saliba. This is how I would start against Man City in the Shield.
cemabpruyz
0
Glad to have you on board Declan. The work is just beginning. We’re all looking forward to the new season and can’t wait to officially see the new guys in red.
Poobcdims
0
Well if my messages can be seen by Arteta he should Balogun he is more lethal and give us the missing piece of the puzzle. At the back play White Saliba Timber n Tierney Midfield Partey Rice Ordegard Attack Saka Martinelli Balogun or Trossard as Jesus is injured
where is Mr consistency Gabriel
Yocbimopt
2
The time has come for arsenal to have and deploy a proper nine. over the years, arsenal has lacked this. This is why martinelli (last season), and saka (yearly) usually hit double digits goals. Balogun Flo is a proper nine. Keep him, use him, give him a chance!
Kesadlor
0
yummy chicken rice
yombilrstu
0
gud playing Rice
Heeaikou
1
Well if my messages can be seen by Arteta he should Balogun he is more lethal and give us the missing piece of the puzzle. At the back play White Saliba Timber n Tierney Midfield Partey Rice Ordegard Attack Saka Martinelli Balogun or Trossard as Jesus is injured
Mugopark
2
Arsenal still need an established out and out striker. Without a natural striker, a ruthlessly lethal number nine, Arsenal may not reap as much the benefits of spending hugely on Declan Rice.
I tend to disagree. last season we scored 88 goals, mancity 94. What arsenal need most is defensive capability. we lost on this front....Saka,Martinelli,Jesus,Trosard, odegard combined can deliver 100 goals. we need to protect our net more.
Kuweiortz
1
keep balogun than problem solved 👍👍👍🙏
Shmonny
5
Gianluigi Buffon said in 2020 that he's going back to school when he hangs up his gloves 😂
TheO2man
6
Arsenal still need an established out and out striker. Without a natural striker, a ruthlessly lethal number nine, Arsenal may not reap as much the benefits of spending hugely on Declan Rice.
Layabors
1
Good luck.