Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice earned praise from Premier League pundit Andy Townsend during Saturday’s Premier League win over Brentford.
The Gunners powerhouse opened the scoring for Mikel Arteta’s side at the Emirates Stadium and played well throughout.
In the 19th minute, Ben White stood a cross up into the box and Rice got above Mads Roerslev to head past Mark Flekken into the far post.
Townsend, speaking on Premier League Productions – via the official Premier League website – sung the Arsenal summer signing’s praises.
“Really good play from Arsenal, it’s been an excellent start,” he said. “This is good play from Declan Rice. He senses that it’s coming in and there’s a gap.
“Can he get himself between two Brentford shirts? He’s a strong man, he gets a good leap. He bounces off Roerslev and slots that past Mark Flekken.”
Yoann Wissa equalised for Brentford close to half time following an Aaron Ramsdale error, but Kai Havertz headed home in the 86th minute to seal all three points for Arsenal.
Arsenal star Declan Rice adding goals and assists to his game
As well as scoring, Rice clocked up some impressive stats on the day as Arsenal battled to victory over the west Londoners.
As per Sofascore, he won six aerial duels and two ground duels. He also weighed in with one tackle, one clearance and one block.
Rice’s recent goal contribution record is outstanding. He has three goals and three assists from his last five Premier League games.
While many players need some time to get up to speed following a big move, Rice hit the ground running from the off and is only getting better and better for Arsenal.
Indeed, it’s getting to the point where the Gunners will probably feel they’ve got a bargain in Rice – for all of £105million – considering how good he has been.
Rice has been a revelation for the Gunners and it’s especially great to see him adding goals to his game now he has been allowed to push further up the pitch.
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