Arsenal dropped further points in the Premier League after their disappointing 1-1 home draw to Brentford, but there is one Gunner who can hold his head high.
In a Premier League title race hanging by a thread, a twelfth Arsenal draw of the season sees Liverpool within touching distance from the big price.
The home side took the lead after Thomas Partey scored his fourth of the season, but were pegged back by a stunning Yoanne Wissa goal just 13 minutes from the end.
It was a heavily rotated Gunners lineup, with the likes of Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard rested with Wednesday’s Champions League return leg against Real Madrid on the horizon.
Declan Rice equals Arsenal goal record
In what was a tight game, Declan Rice went on a driving run to set up Partey’s opener against a rigid Brentford side.
The impressive assist saw him take his goal contribution tally up to 16 for the season in all competitions, his joint most ever in a single campaign.
With never-ending dialogue over his best role, he is certainly making that left eight position his very own.
Declan Rice has Arteta to thank
Rice’s free-kick double against Real Madrid has earned him a reputation for being a complete midfielder.
Renowned for his ball-winning abilities at West Ham, he has evolved into far more of an attacking threat in Mikel Arteta’s system, having created more big chances than any other player in the Premier League in 2025.
In Arteta’s post-match press conference, he was asked whether Rice will be playing further forward more often after his recent run of goals.
He said: “Yes, for sure, every time you score a goal, after you have the feeling that you can score again.
“I think he had an unbelievable action to the goal we scored today, carrying the ball into open space until the right moment to release Thomas for a one-on-one.
“I think he had a really strong performance again.”
With the season approaching the business end, the Gunners will hope their in-form midfield man can continue his fine form to lead his team to Champions League success.
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