Declan Rice once again underlined his status as one of the world’s elite midfielders, producing a sensational performance despite injury doubts to inspire Arsenal to a dramatic 3-2 Premier League victory over Bournemouth.

The England international, who had been battling a knee issue and missed Arsenal’s previous match, scored two crucial goals as Mikel Arteta’s side overturned an early deficit to move six points clear at the top of the Premier League table. According to his manager, Rice had pushed himself “to the very limit” just to be fit enough to play.

Rice Overcomes Injury Doubt to Lead Arsenal Charge

Rice, 26, was a major doubt in the build-up to the match after his knee remained swollen in the days leading up to kick-off. Yet, when Arsenal needed him most, the midfielder answered the call.

“Declan Rice was struggling the last few days but pushed and pushed and pushed and made himself available,” Arteta said.
“He played 96 minutes, scored two goals and was one of the best players on the pitch. That is the mentality we need.”

Arteta admitted the decision went down to the wire.

“Until the last minute, I asked him how he was feeling. He said, ‘I am in.’ And he showed he was big-time in.”

That faith was fully rewarded as Rice delivered one of his finest performances in an Arsenal shirt.

Rare Brace Highlights Rice’s Growing Attacking Threat

Rice’s double was a rarity. It marked only the second time in his 375 senior club appearances that he has scored more than once in a match, the first being his memorable free-kick brace against Real Madrid last season.

After Gabriel had equalised for Arsenal, Rice took control of the contest, driving his team forward and scoring twice to turn a tense 1-1 game into a commanding 3-1 lead.

“I’ve been in situations before where I’ve wanted to score another and it hasn’t happened,” Rice told BBC Sport.
“But now it has, and it was a really nice feeling—especially in such an important win.”

Former England striker Jermain Defoe described the display as a “masterclass”.

“In and out of possession he was so good,” Defoe said.
“His positioning, second balls, and pitch awareness were outstanding. He’s definitely up there with the best midfielders in Europe.”

Arteta: “For Me, He Is One of the Best Midfielders in the World”

Since arriving from West Ham in a £100m deal, Rice has evolved from a primarily defensive midfielder into a complete, all-action force at the heart of Arsenal’s title push.

Arteta believes the midfielder is still improving.

“Declan is constantly adding things to his game,” the Arsenal boss said.
“I don’t see where he can stop because he still wants to improve in many areas.”

That hunger for development is translating into elite-level performances week after week.

Rice’s Numbers Prove His All-Round Dominance

Statistically, Rice has been among the Premier League’s most influential midfielders this season:

• Most passes into the box of any Premier League player (146)
• Top 10 for touches, chances created, and ball recoveries
• Four Premier League goals this season, among Arsenal’s top scorers
• Arsenal’s leading player for line-breaking passes (142)
• Arsenal’s leader in progressive carries (188)

These numbers highlight how Rice has become central to Arsenal’s attacking play, not just their defensive structure.

Interestingly, Bournemouth appears to be one of his favourite opponents. Rice has now scored five Premier League goals against them, more than against any other club.

Arsenal’s Title Push Gathers Momentum

The victory over Bournemouth strengthens Arsenal’s grip on the Premier League summit, with Arteta’s side now six points clear—though Manchester City could reduce that gap.

January promises to be a defining month. Arsenal face nine matches across four competitions, including the Champions League, FA Cup, Premier League, and a Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

With Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard rested against Bournemouth, Arteta showed confidence in his squad depth—something that could prove decisive in the title race.

Why Silverware Matters for Arsenal

Despite Arsenal’s consistent league finishes under Arteta, trophies have been elusive since the 2019–20 FA Cup. Former midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes lifting the Carabao Cup could be a turning point.

“It’s the least important competition, but they just have to win a trophy,” Redknapp said.
“If they win it, I think it will relax them—and that could help them push on for the league.”

With Rice leading by example, Arsenal appear well-equipped to challenge on all fronts.

Declan Rice: The Complete Midfielder Arsenal Built Around

From shielding the defence to breaking lines, creating chances, and now scoring decisive goals, Declan Rice has become the embodiment of Arteta’s Arsenal project.

Willing to push through pain, deliver under pressure, and continuously improve, Rice’s Bournemouth performance was more than just two goals—it was a statement.

Arsenal’s title ambitions may well rest on moments like this, and on a midfielder who, even when injured, refuses to step aside.