10 recoveries, 100% tackles, 100% aerials: 7/10 Arsenal star was brilliant at Villa Park, rest him vs Club Brugge
Arsenal suffered their second defeat of the Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Gunners were second-best in the final phase of the game and suffered a cruel defeat right at the end.
They were on course for a 1-1 draw before Emiliano Buendia scored a last-second stoppage-time winner for Unai Emery’s side.
Despite this, there were some positives to carry forward from the demoralising defeat at Villa Park.
Declan Rice was initially doubtful for the game, having picked up a minor calf problem against Brentford.
The Englishman recovered quickly and delivered an impressive performance in the West Midlands.
Rice made 10 recoveries, won 100 percent of his tackles (2/2) and aerial duels (2/2) on the road.
He also made five clearances and two vital blocks. One of those seemed destined to find the back of the net.
In an attacking sense, Rice squandered a good chance to score prior to the break with a tame shot.
However, he should have had an assist in stoppage time. The Englishman delivered a fantastic cross into the six-yard box, but Viktor Gyokeres was not present for an easy tap-in.
Noni Madueke eventually unleashed a right-footed shot well off target. The winger should have held onto possession to find a runner into the box, who could have scored.
Arsenal went on to concede a last-gasp winner to Villa. The Gunners will now be in Champions League action against Club Brugge on the road on Wednesday evening.
In our opinion, manager Mikel Arteta should make a sensible decision and rest Rice, who made 21 defensive contributions in yesterday’s tightly-contested league clash.
The midfielder, who received a 7/10 rating from Sofascore, has had a heavy workload for club and country in recent months. The manager can’t risk an injury by overplaying him.
The Gunners are top of the league in the European competition with 15 points, three ahead of the chasing pack. It is a perfect time to rotate the squad with multiple changes.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Fotmob.com
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