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Ex-PL manager lauds Arsenal star Declan Rice

By on March 12, 2024

Declan Rice Arteta Arsenal

Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew has heaped praise on Arsenal star Declan Rice.

After cashing-in on Granit Xhaka last summer, the Gunners decided to reinforce their engine room by purchasing Rice from West Ham United. Mikel Arteta’s side splashed a fee of around £105m to acquire his service, making him the club’s most expensive player.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a promising start at the Emirates Stadium this season, helping the North London club mount a title charge. Arsenal are currently at the top of the league with 64 points from 28 games, while Liverpool are just behind in goal difference with Man City third after accumulating one point less.

Arsenal also mounted a title charge last season before being pipped to the post by the eventual champions Man City. Now, speaking on talkSPORT, Pardew has said that Arsenal will have to overcome the mental hurdle after what happened last campaign.

The former manager says that Arsenal have been showcasing they are good enough to go all the way and Arteta’s side will have to prove their qualities by winning the title this term.

Pardew also says that Rice has been an excellent acquisition for Arsenal as he has brought stability and assurance to the Gunners’ starting eleven. So, the ‘Rice factor’ could help Arsenal go all the way this campaign.

Pardew lauds Rice

Pardew said:

“All they’ve got to do is overcome this mental hurdle of what happened last year. All the stats are pointing that you’re good enough, you’re good enough, you’ve just got to see it over the line. The only thing I would add to that is the Rice factor. This kid has come in, sitting in front of the back two and has given them a stability and an assurance that they didn’t have last year. So if you’re an Arsenal fan, there’s a lot to cling on to.”

After winning eight consecutive games in the Premier League, Arsenal will face off against the title rival Manchester City in their next league game after the international break. So, Arteta’s side will have to showcase that they are ready to lift the league title this term by defeating the Citizens in this encounter.