
Declan Rice
Center Midfielder
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Jan 14, 1999 (27)
Right
6'2"
185 lb
Creates four chances
Rice registered one shot (zero on goal), eight crosses (three accurate) and seven corners in Saturday's 2-0 win against Everton.
Analysis: Rice delivered another productive midfield performance, creating four chances and contributing defensively with two interceptions as Arsenal controlled much of the encounter. The English midfielder continues to play an important role in the team's attacking organization, particularly through his involvement in set pieces and deliveries into dangerous areas. He has now recorded four assists, six shots, 15 chances created and 21 corners taken across eight Premier League appearances this season. His combination of defensive work, creativity and set-piece responsibilities continues to make him one of Arsenal's most influential midfielders.
Nets equalizer
Rice scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus Bayern Munich.
Analysis: Rice's late goal gave Arsenal a point from this game, and the Gunners keep their unbeaten record in UCL play intact. The midfielder was solid in service, and he'll play a prominent role against Everton on Saturday. It's a tough matchup, as Everton have only conceded seven goals in seven EPL games.
Provides assist in narrow victory
Rice assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Rice recorded one assist, one off-target shot, five crosses (two accurate), and three corners across the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 1-0 victory at Nottingham Forest. He created an early opportunity for Kai Havertz with a dangerous free-kick delivery before wasting an excellent chance in the second half, firing over from close range after Jurrien Timber's cutback. Rice eventually made the decisive contribution by supplying Noni Madueke for the 80th minute winner, while also producing a crucial late block to deny Chris Wood a potential equalizer.
Sets up winning goal against Leeds
Rice registered an assist, one chance created and two tackles won in Saturday's 2-1 win against Leeds.
Analysis: Rice delivered another productive midfield performance as he set up Bruno Guimaraes's winner with a backheel. Additionally, the Englishman had the joint-most defensive contributions (10) and the most touches (87) of any player. He also made four clearances and three recoveries, helping avoid a second from Leeds United. Furthermore, Rice's 10 passes into the final third and 17 line-breaking passes were emblematic of his role.
Starting in return
Rice (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Leeds United.
Analysis: Rice is cleared to start after withdrawing from England's squad during the international break to rest amid lingering fitness concerns. The midfielder has been dealing with issues since returning from the World Cup, prompting Arsenal to carefully manage his workload. He resumes his usual starting role against Leeds, though his minutes could still be monitored.
Questionable amid ongoing fitness concerns
Rice (undisclosed) is questionable for Saturday's Premier League clash against Leeds United after withdrawing from England's squad during the international break, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "We have to manage him. He's had a few issues since he's come back from the World Cup... Hopefully he's available."
Analysis: Rice has been dealing with lingering fitness concerns since returning from the World Cup, with his heavy workload over the past few seasons prompting Arsenal to take a cautious approach to his recovery. His withdrawal from England duty allowed him additional time to rest during the international break, although manager Arteta's latest comments suggest his availability for Saturday's matchup remains uncertain. The midfielder remains a key part of Arsenal's starting XI, but his minutes could require careful management even if he is cleared to face Leeds. A final decision on his involvement is likely to be made closer to kickoff.
Given some rest
Rice is expected to be fit to start Saturday's match against Leeds after his withdrawal from the England squad was attributed to load management rather than a new injury. The midfielder has been managing several physical issues, including long-term neural hamstring pain that has radiated into his lower back, but reportedly spent part of the international break resting in Dubai, according to The Standard.
Analysis: Rice's England withdrawal appears to have been precautionary, giving him a valuable chance to recharge after starting every match for Arsenal this season and enduring a busy summer at the World Cup. Barring a setback, he should be ready to reclaim his usual spot in the starting XI against Leeds. Rice has supplied two assists across five Premier League appearances this season while remaining a cornerstone of Arsenal's midfield and handling a significant share of the club's set pieces.
Sits out England fixtures
Rice has withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.
Analysis: Rice will get three weeks of rest during the international break after starting every match for Arsenal this season, including playing the full 90 minutes against Brighton on Saturday. The midfielder is expected to be available when Arsenal return to action against Leeds United on Oct. 10. Rice has provided two assists across five Premier League appearances this season and remains an undisputed starter in midfield, while also handling a significant share of Arsenal's set pieces.
Two corners in defeat
Rice had one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 3-0 loss against Brighton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 97th minute.
Analysis: Rice registered one shot without troubling Bart Verbruggen, two corners, one accurate cross and two interceptions across 90 minutes as Arsenal's defensive midfielder in a match where Brighton's pressing structure repeatedly disrupted his ability to dictate tempo from deep. He was also involved in the sequence that led to Charalampos Kostoulas' halftime strike, losing the ball in midfield before Brighton broke quickly to make it 2-0. Rice and Arsenal head into the international break with questions to answer after their firt defeat of the season.
Supplies assist in victory
Rice assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-0 victory against Sunderland.
Analysis: Rice provided the assist for Arsenal's breakthrough, setting up the opening goal after Sunderland had kept the Gunners scoreless through the first half. He didn't attempt a shot but remained involved in Arsenal's buildup and also handled some set-piece work before being replaced in the 81st minute. Rice has now registered an assist in consecutive Premier League matches, giving him two assists through four league appearances this season.
Assists Sunday
Rice assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 2-1 win versus Chelsea.
Analysis: Rice got on the scoresheet Sunday, providing an assist in the win over Chelsea. It's his first direct contribution of the season, adding to a steady opening stretch in which he's produced three key passes and won two tackles across Arsenal's first three Premier League matches , a slow but steady start as he settles into rhythm.
Creates two chances Monday
Rice recorded four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Monday's 1-0 victory against Aston Villa.
Analysis: Rice had a solid performance in Monday's win as he created two chances and recorded four crosses on the attack. He was excellent on the defensive end too as the team did not allow a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. Rice was replaced in the 85th minute by Martin Zubimendi.
Quiet despite rout
Rice recorded two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Friday's 3-0 victory against Coventry City.
Analysis: Rice had a quiet day in the center of the park. He did his jobs well and kept Arsenal ticking, but never really took the match over. He's a brilliant midfielder with plenty of upside and he should earn plenty of clean sheets this season, but he may not be at his creative best in every match as Arsenal have so many avenues through which to attack.
Ready to start season opener
Rice is fit and ready to start Friday's season opener against Coventry, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Yes, they're ready to be involved, yes."
Analysis: Rice's readiness comes after he played 45 minutes off the bench in the Community Shield win over Manchester City, a workload Arteta suggested could preview another heavy season for the durable midfielder following a campaign that saw him tally four goals and five assists across 36 Premier League appearances while helping Arsenal win the title. Rice is expected to slot straight into Arsenal's midfield for the opener as he continues building toward what could be another demanding campaign in terms of minutes played.
Plays 45 minutes in Shield win
Rice played 45 minutes off the bench in Sunday's 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City, with coach Mikel Arteta suggesting the midfielder's remarkable durability could once again see him handle a heavy workload this season. "He's done it previously, the last two or three seasons he's done something very similar to that so he's already done it, hopefully he doesn't need to do it that consistently and focus more on the quality and the performance than the volume but probably he will say the opposite. He will say that he wants to play 70 games this year if he can because he wants to go for everything"
Analysis: Rice's involvement came after his training response cleared him for a role in this fixture, following a season in which he finished with four goals and five assists across 36 Premier League appearances, helping Arsenal win the title, and a strong World Cup for England, where he contributed a goal and two assists while averaging a team high 2.4 chances created per game despite battling minor knocks. Rice is expected to continue building up his workload as the new EPL season approaches which begins on Friday against Coventry.
Could feature in Shield
Rice could be involved in Sunday's Community Shield if his training response is positive, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "They will be available; they trained with us today, they will train tomorrow, and if they are in the condition that we expect them to be, they will be involved"
Analysis: Rice's potential involvement comes after he finished last season with four goals and five assists across 36 Premier League appearances, helping Arsenal win the title, and capped it with a strong World Cup for England, contributing a goal and two assists while averaging a team high 2.4 chances created per game despite battling minor knocks and an illness during the tournament. Rice is expected to build up his workload ahead of the Community Shield.
Back to prepare new season
Rice is back to prepare the new 2026/27 Premier League season with Arsenal, according to the club.
Analysis: Rice finished last season with four goals and five assists across 36 Premier League appearances, helping Arsenal win the title, and capped it with a strong World Cup for England, contributing one goal and two assists while averaging a team high 2.4 chances created per game despite battling minor knocks and an illness during the tournament. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to build on a productive season for both club and country.
Scores, assists in third-place win
Rice scored one goal and assisted once from one shot and two chances created in Saturday's 6-4 victory versus France.
Analysis: Rice took advantage of a defensive mistake to recover a ball and dribble towards the box before firing a well-placed strike in the third minute against France. Other than that, the midfielder did a great job on set pieces, with one of his corner kick crosses leading to the goal that doubled England's lead. He went through some struggles throughout the competition due to minor blows and an illness that limited his involvement, but overall he served as a big piece of his national squad, posting one goal and two assists and averaging a team-high 2.4 chances created per game.
Quiet in loss
Rice generated one shot (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 2-1 loss against Argentina.
Analysis: Rice was back in the starting XI despite being troubled by an illness, and put together a decent performance. The midfielder was brought off, as England looked to shut the match down, though that didn't work. Rice has been one of England's most important players throughout the World Cup, and should play a role against France in the third-place decider.
Ready to go Wednesday
Rice (illness) is fully fit and available for Wednesday's clash with Argentina, England announced.
Analysis: Rice is back in full training and is fully fit for Wednesday's clash. The midfielder plays a huge role from open play and set-pieces and is expected to be a key part of the XI in the semi final. Rice was also a doubt coming into the quarter final, and was only able to play 45 minutes in the 2-1 win over Norway, so it's possible he will be rotated or limited even if he starts.
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