5 key moments in Declan Rice’s life at Arsenal that made his £100 mil price ticket look like a cut price.
1. Two Free-Kick Stunners Towards Actual Madrid
When your set-piece coach tells you to not shoot, you’d immediately refuse even to think about going for the objective. That’s particularly within the Champions League quarter-final towards probably the most embellished crew in Europe, with 15 UCL titles, Actual Madrid.
However Declan Rice? Not as soon as, however twice, he dared. He dared to create historical past, doing so by putting two excellent free kicks within the house of 12 minutes. Nobody had ever scored two direct free kicks in a Champions League knockout match. Rice made it look straightforward. That evening, the Emirates Stadium erupted, and everybody within the floor and at dwelling realised simply what the Englishman was able to.
2. Arsenal Participant of the Season 2024/25
Rice concluded the 2024/25 season with 9 objectives and ten assists, together with spectacular stats reminiscent of successful possession 156 occasions. Additionally, he created 59 possibilities, second behind Saka. His phenomenal season earned him 52% of the fan vote to be Arsenal’s Participant of the 12 months. He was additionally included within the Champions League Group of the Season and nominated for the Premier League Participant of the 12 months.
3. A Aim to Bear in mind Towards His Previous Membership
Matches at your former membership’s floor can at all times be exhausting for a participant. Rice arrived at West Ham United’s London Stadium to a battle of boos versus cheers. Some felt he betrayed the membership after becoming a member of a fellow London facet, while others embraced their former captain’s return. Regardless of the combo of feelings, Rice battled on for Arsenal in a 6-0 rampant battering towards the Hammers. Nevertheless, a press release was made that day by Rice.
A 25-yard first-time strike by the midfielder nestled into the top-left nook. West Ham’s keeper, Areola, was left starstruck. He couldn’t have hit it any higher, and the objective deservedly gained the February 2024 Aim of the Month.
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4. First Arsenal Aim – One to Bear in mind
Rice exploded into Arsenal followers’ hearts within the 96th minute of his fifth match for the Gunners. Towards Manchester United, at dwelling, Rice compelled in a volley contained in the field to place Arsenal in entrance. He cemented his identify as Arsenal’s new star man and a game-changer for Mikel Arteta. “Ice Ice Child”, Rice’s instinct tune, echoed round The Emirates, with followers altering ‘Ice’ to ‘Rice’. With simply 5 video games in for Arsenal, he was already beloved by each single Arsenal fan.
5. Final-minute winner Towards Luton
A header within the 97th minute to win the match 4-3. The newest objective to win a recreation that Arsenal FC have scored away from dwelling for the reason that 2006/07 season. The objective’s significance? It quickly put the membership 5 factors clear on the prime of the desk, with Rice describing it as a “huge second” within the title race. Gamers went wild. Followers went loopy. The objective weighed extra than simply three factors.
Since Declan Rice has joined Arsenal, he has proven super quantities of perspective, class, and character, alongside his world-class footballing potential. From European brilliance to home achievements, these 5 moments showcase why Declan Rice is a real asset to Arsenal, who boasts a winner’s mentality.
