Arsenal secured a critical 3-0 victory over Bournemouth to stay in the Premier League title race, with Declan Rice particularly impressive. The Gunners overcame some heavy Bournemouth pressure in the second half to gain the three points, and Rice was crucial up front, making a great assist for Leandro Trossard and scoring the winning goal.

Rice has played both at the base of midfield and in a more advanced role this season, with 15 Premier League goals and assists.Following the game, Arteta stressed the difficulty of Rice’s job this season and praised the 25-year-old for adapting so well to his ideas.

“We thought that was going to be very related to his location on the pitch and the spaces he was going to occupy,” he told reporters.”Then another alternative is to do it in this league, and congratulations to him. We’ve shifted him from position to position, which is difficult for a player to adjust to, and I believe he deserves a lot of credit for doing so.”

Arsenal has the best defensive record in the Premier League, thanks in large part to Rice’s increased security in defending the back four.Rice has also had success as a forward, as indicated by his career-high goal and assist totals.The Englishman’s ability to win the ball high up the pitch while still performing amazing creative movements like his assist today makes him the ideal midfielder, and his price tag is totally justified.

Even if Arsenal does not win the title, Rice has elevated their performance level and is undoubtedly the finest player in the Premier League this season.