Pundit Garth Crooks has raved about Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice following his performance against Brentford on Saturday.
Declan Rice produced a moment of ‘pure genius’ as he helped Arsenal beat Brentford 1-0 over the weekend.
That is the verdict of BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks, who has raved about the England international.
Arsenal headed across London for a potentially tricky clash with Brentford, and it looked like being a frustrating night.
Mikel Arteta’s men were struggling to find the opening goal before Kai Havertz popped up with the winner, heading home Bukayo Saka’s cross.
Garth Crooks praises Declan Rice impact for Arsenal
The win took Arsenal top of the Premier League table, capitalising on Manchester City only drawing with Liverpool.
It could have been very different though as Declan Rice had to make a goal-saving block in the first half.
Aaron Ramsdale got himself in a muddle with his feet, with Yoane Wissa teeing up Bryan Mbeumo for a big chance.
Mbeumo’s shot beat Ramsdale but Rice had positioned himself perfectly on the line, producing a crucial block.
Pundit Garth Crooks has now praised Rice, telling BBC Sport that it was a moment of ‘pure genius’ from the Arsenal midfielder.
Crooks adds that Rice is now as influential to this Arsenal team as Martin Odegaard was last season, making himself vital to Arteta’s operation after just a few months at the club.
“Mikel Arteta can whittle on all he likes about keeping a clean sheet and the professionalism of his team’s performance against Brentford but Arsenal got away with this win,” said Crooks. “The way Declan Rice spotted that Aaron Ramsdale was in some difficulty, got behind his goalkeeper and positioned himself perfectly to clear the ball off the line was pure genius.”
“Rice is proving to be as influential as Martin Odegaard proved to be for the Gunners last season. The win takes Arsenal to the top of the table and they now have a decent run of games before they face Villa and Liverpool away and Brighton at home. None of which will be straightforward but if they can remain top going into the new year anything is possible,” he added.
This Arsenal midfield belongs to Rice now
There was no doubting who the star of the Arsenal midfield was last season.
Odegaard was simply majestic, producing technical excellence and creativity many playmakers could only wish to conjure.
Odegaard hasn’t quite been at his best this season though, even with three goals and one assist in 10 Premier League games.
The Norwegian will surely click again soon but this looks like Rice’s midfield right now.
Whether it’s in a deeper role or whilst being deployed further forward, Rice is shining for Arsenal.
Rice is defensively strong but also uses the ball exceptionally well and has the ability to drive forward with the ball.
At just 24, Rice could be Arsenal’s midfield maestro for a long time yet – and Gunners fans will be hoping that is the case.
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