Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell thinks Declan Rice is getting better and better following his display in the Gunners’ 1-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Declan Rice has come in for plenty of praise for his performance in the victory at Selhurst Park, including from Campbell, who thinks it was his best game in a red shirt so far.
Speaking on Sky Sports (22/08/23 at 10:24am), the former Arsenal player said: “I think he’s been very impressive. He’s having to learn a new style, a new system, a new way of how the manager wants him to play.
“But I think he’s getting better and better. I thought this was his best game for Arsenal by far.”
Jamie Carragher was also impressed with what he saw from Rice on the night, describing his performance as “outstanding”.
It is exactly the type of display Mikel Arteta will be expecting after bringing him in for £105m.
Declan Rice’s performance against Crystal Palace not a surprise
Rice getting the job done at Selhurst Park is not a really a shock. After coming through at West Ham United, he obviously knows the Premier League well.
In terms of adapting, then, it is just about getting used to playing with his new team-mates and what Arteta wants from him.
Crystal Palace v Arsenal FC – Premier League
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
All in all, the England international, albeit a very expensive one, is a good signing for Arsenal and is already showing that.
He is already making 2.0 tackles per game, which is one of the highest averages in the north London club’s squad (WhoScored).
After wins against Palace and Nottingham Forest, Arsenal look on course for another bright season. It is going to take everything from Rice and his team-mates, however, if they are to have any chance of going one step further compared to last term and winning the Premier League title ahead of current champions Manchester City.
