Declan Rice: Arsenal midfielder ‘stretches to the limit’ ahead of another ‘master lesson’

Rice continued to thrive with Arsenal in a more attacking midfield role – initially as a defensive midfielder for West Ham, and when he first moved to the Emirates.

This season he has played more passes into the penalty area than any other player in the Premier League – 146.

He ranks in the top ten for touches, chances created and number of possessions.

Rice has four goals in the Premier League this season – only Victor Gjukeres and Leandro Trossard (both five) have more for Arsenal – while Belgian striker Trossard is the only team-mate with three assists.

Meanwhile, Rice is Arsenal’s highest-rated player in passing passes (142) and progressive carries (188).

“He is very consistent with everything you ask him to do, and that makes the difference,” Arteta said.

“Firstly, he has the abilities and qualities to do it, but then you need the consistency to do it, and he does it every day, and then you see that kind of performance.”

When told that this was the first time he had scored twice in a league match, Rice told Sky Sports: “That’s a crazy statistic.

“I haven’t scored much this season, I’ve only scored two goals, so to score a brace today in an important win was a really great feeling. When you win and are able to help the team like I did today it always adds that extra feeling to the special feeling.”

Rice scored five goals in 12 Premier League matches against Bournemouth, more than double the goals he scored against any other team in the league.