Football writer Dan Edwards assesses the impact of Declan Rice after his two-goal performance in Arsenal’s 3–2 victory over AFC Bournemouth – and why it could prove
decisive in the title race.
Make no mistake, this was a defining test of Arsenal’s credentials – one that dragged them deep into discomfort and demanded every ounce of resilience they had.
In many ways it echoed Manchester City’s draw at Sunderland on New Year’s Day. Not in the scoreline, but in the intensity of the challenge, the physical edge of the opposition and the mental resolve required to keep going. The difference was decisive: Arsenal left the Vitality Stadium with three points. City did not.
These are the moments where championships tilt one way or the other. Mikel Arteta knows that better than most, having guided Arsenal to three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League over the past three seasons.
They are also the moments that define elite players. On the south coast, Declan Rice did exactly that.
Returning from a knee issue that had ruled him out against Aston Villa in midweek, Rice delivered a performance of authority and incision, capped by two goals that turned the contest. Arteta later revealed his midfielder had been “touch and go” right up until kick-off.
“Every hour for him was important to be available today,” Arteta said. “We didn’t know for how long he could play, so the way he competed, played and on top of that scored two goals was outstanding and a really big message for the team.
“He was so disappointed not to play against Villa. He really wanted it. He tried in the morning – nowhere near. He wanted to train the next day – not possible. Until the last minute I asked him, ‘How are you feeling?’ He said, ‘I’m in.’ And he showed that he was big time.”
Midfield royalty
Roy Keane. Patrick Vieira. Frank Lampard. Kevin De Bruyne. These are the names Rice is likely to be measured against when his career is judged in full.
They are players who seize control when matches hang in the balance. Players who decide seasons as much as games. Players who win Premier League titles.
Asked afterwards if Rice belongs among the world’s best midfielders, Arteta was unequivocal.
“Yes, for me. The ones that we have are the best. Declan is constantly adding things to his game and to his role in the team. I don’t see where he can stop. He can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve. He’s such a pivotal player for us.”
A contest on a knife-edge
Arsenal were forced to respond early. Bournemouth struck in the 10th minute when Gabriel Magalhães’ loose pass fell invitingly for Evanilson. With David Raya positioned left of goal to offer an angle, the forward had time to guide his finish into the far corner.
Gabriel made amends just six minutes later. After a free-kick was only partially cleared, Noni Madueke – preferred to Bukayo Saka on the right – beat Antoine Semenyo and drove into the area. Three Arsenal players took aim, Gabriel’s third effort finally finding the net.
Bournemouth remained organised and combative through the rest of the first half, limiting Arsenal in open play. But the visitors emerged after the interval with renewed authority – and Rice at the heart of it.
Rice takes control
The midfielder seized the game in a decisive 17-minute spell.
The first goal began with Jurrien Timber’s pass into the final third, Gabriel Martinelli’s aerial duel and a scramble in the penalty area. As Martin Ødegaard collected possession on the edge of the box, Rice surged forward from deep. Ødegaard spotted the run instantly, laying the ball into Rice’s path for a crisp, low finish.
The second showed similar intelligence. A flowing move down the right ended with substitute Saka pulling the ball back from close range, leaving Rice unmarked to strike again.
It was his 296th Premier League appearance, but the first time he had scored more than once in a single match.
“I’ve been in situations where I’ve scored one and wanted another and it hasn’t happened,” Rice said on 'Match of the Day'. “Now it has. We’re going to need everyone chipping in at different points, so I’m happy to help the team.”
His freedom to attack owes much to the balance around him, particularly the positional discipline and anticipation of Martin Zubimendi, whose reading of the game allows Rice to break forward with confidence.
Holding firm
Bournemouth were not finished. Teenager Junior Kroupi struck from range in the 76th minute to narrow the deficit, setting up a tense finale.
Arsenal, however, refused to fracture. They conceded just two shots in the closing stages, both blocked, and saw out the pressure with composure.
There were standout performers on both sides, but Rice was the clear man of the match.
Two goals. Fourteen defensive actions. The second-most distance covered and the second-most sprints among Arsenal players. Another complete display from one of Europe’s most influential midfielders.
His broader numbers underline that dominance. Rice ranks near the top of almost every attacking and defensive metric for Arsenal this season, combining productivity with control in a way few players can replicate.
This is the kind of impact that sustains title challenges – and Rice knows the significance of the moment.
“Massive,” was his verdict afterwards. “After Aston Villa, the key thing was to build on that. That win would’ve meant nothing if we didn’t come here and get something.”
Eyes on Liverpool
Arsenal now turn to another defining fixture, hosting Liverpool at the Emirates on Thursday night.
Liverpool may no longer carry the same aura as last season’s champions, but they remain one of only two teams to beat Arsenal this campaign, winning 1–0 at Anfield in August.
“It’s so important at this time of year,” Rice added. “The schedule’s crazy and the games come thick and fast. If you can win around Christmas, on top of what we’ve already done, it puts you in a really good position.
“We’ve got to keep building, keep the mentality right, keep pushing – but we’re in a really good spot at the minute. Long may it continue.” Photo by Chensiyuan, Wikimedia commons.