Declan Rice was outstanding as he scored one and dominated the match during Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Bournemouth, a win that keeps them in the title race and established a four-point lead over Manchester City, at least before The Citizens’ match on Saturday evening. Former Chelsea playmaker Joe Cole said the performance reminded him of some of the Premier League’s best ever midfielders
Joe Cole compared Declan Rice’s “complete” performance in a 3-0 win over Bournemouth to a “prime” Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.
Rice was outstanding for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon, though he was not on the scoresheet until deep into injury time when he struck in the 97th minute to make it three for his side.
The win took Arsenal four points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with two more games played than second-placed Manchester City.
City will play on Saturday evening against Wolverhampton Wanderers, but at the very least, they will be unable to go top this weekend after Arsenal’s win.
Speaking to TNT Sports after watching Rice dominate the game, Cole said: “The way he took that touch, the extra step, the world stood still. He’s done absolutely everything on the football pitch today.
“I’d liken that performance today to a prime Gerrard, Roy Keane, Vieira. Complete, complete midfield performance.”
Phil Foden was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year in midweek, and Cole believe Rice was a tad unlucky to miss out.
He said: “Declan’s up there in the conversation,” before moving onto Rice’s international situation.
“The problem is he’s developed so much and added to his game, he’s given Gareth a problem. He can just do everything. Dominated possession, crashing into tackles, scoring goals, making goals.”
Arsenal’s next match comes on Sunday, May 12, when they visit Manchester United.
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