Arsenal played some excellent football in their 3-0 victory over Bournemouth which kept them in the title race, and one player stood out above the rest.
There were several impressive performers in what was a dominant victory, which kept Arsenal at the top of the league, but with more games played than Manchester City.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a penalty after Kai Havertz was fouled by goalkeeper Mark Travers, and Leandro Trossard added a second with a fine finish from the left hand side.
Declan Rice added a third in the dying stages after an excellent assist from Gabriel Jesus, and this capped off what was an outstanding individual display from the England star.
Declan Rice shone in Arsenal’s victory over Bournemouth
Rice had yet another phenomenal game as a number eight in midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey, and his goal capped off a stunning display.
The 25-year-old ran the show in the middle of the park, completing 90% of his passes, creating three chances and winning three duels in an all-action performance.
He also registered the assist for Trossard’s goal with an outstanding flick onto the Belgian, who finished superbly.
Rice showcased both his ability to shut down opposition attacks, as well as his ability to contribute in attack, with two dribbles and three long balls over the course of the game.
His goal at the end was powered into the bottom corner, and was the icing on the cake for what was yet another remarkable display.
Joe Cole claims Declan Rice assist in Arsenal win was Messi-like
Rice’s assist for Trossard was exquisite, as he perfectly weighted a flicked pass onto the winger, and former Chelsea star and pundit Joe Cole even compared the skill to something Lionel Messi would do.
“That pass from Declan Rice, by the way. If Lionel Messi does that pass, the world stops. Declan Rice, he has just added more and more to his game. He is an unbelievable passer,” he stated on TNT Sports after the game.
Whilst no one has the creative ability or vision that Messi had in his prime for Barcelona, Rice did show a new side to his game with such an inventive flick, and proved that he is so much more than an ordinary defensive midfielder, with his huge price tag well and truly justified already.