EMIRATES STADIUM — Arsenal might have to christen that patch of pitch to the right of the North Bank stand Declan’s corner if this carries on.
There were no free-kicks heroics this time, just a magnificent assist that saw him gallop from the edge of his own box to the border of Brentford’s in the space of 10 seconds. The Arsenal players don’t call him “the Horse” for nothing.
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A clever first touch took him away from Mikkel Damsgaard at which point the crowd grew expectant.
Yoane Wissa’s equaliser earned the Bees a share of the spoils on a day when the fitness of Arsenal’s key players took precedence over the result.
Bukayo Saka was predictably kept on ice, with full-backs Jurrien Timber and Myles Lewis-Skelly, captain Martin Odegaard and the newly indispensable Mikel Merino also left in reserve. All five finished the game, unlike Rice who was withdrawn with 15 minutes plus added time remaining.
Rice ended the game of his life on Tuesday with a knock to his foot, but he was fine to start and Arteta was evidently keen to keep him riding the crest of the confidence wave.
The vision from David Raya, the run from Declan Rice, to the finish from Thomas Partey! pic.twitter.com/ytE9eEna9g
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 12, 2025
Some players benefit from a rest every now and again while others thrive upon the rhythm that starting all the time provides. Not every professional footballer loves football, but you can just tell that Rice does. He wants to play and wants to make an impact. At Arsenal, he is increasingly integral.
He is a throwback, as likely to have flourished in the 1990s as in the 2020s.
Declan Rice’s Premier League goal contributions per season
2017-18: 0 in 26 games (no goals or assists)
2018-19: 2 in 34 games (two goals)
2019-20: 4 in 38 games (one goal, three assists)
2020-21: 3 in 32 games (two goals, one assist)
2021-22: 5 in 36 games (one goal, four assists)
2022-23: 6 in 37 games (four goals, two assists)
2023-24: 15 in 38 games (seven goals, eight assists)
2024-25: 8 in 30 games (two goals, six assists)
At Arsenal, Rice has become a set-piece specialist. Initially, that was evident through corner kicks; he has taken 40 more than any other teammate in the Premier League. And after last Tuesday’s free-kick masterclass, he is now the first-choice taker for those, too.
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On this occasion, his efforts were fruitless. A draw has all but condemned Arsenal to a third successive second-place finish in the Premier League.
But with the right reinforcements – a starting striker is a must as is greater depth across the pitch – and more luck on the injury front, Arsenal have the capability to overhaul the champions-elect. Even more so if Rice’s repertoire continues to grow.
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