Arsenal are now the only unbeaten team remaining in the 2025/26 Champions League after beating Bayern Munich 3-1.
It was a sensational performance from Mikel Arteta’s side, who, three days after going six points clear at the top of the Premier League table, extended their rule over Europe.
Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goals, but it was another player who deserved the Man of the Match award.
At full-time, Declan Rice collected the prize after putting on a show in midfield against Bayern Munich, despite not every part of his game being perfect.
Who was Arsenal’s Man of the Match against Bayern Munich?
Declan Rice was unplayable against Bayern Munich
There are few words to describe the level that Rice is performing at this season.
As Thomas Tuchel watched on at the Emirates, the 26-year-old ran the show, particularly turning the burners on after half-time.
From his set-piece deliveries to his proactive nature in the middle of the park, Rice thrived off Martin Zubimendi, who allowed the £105m man to drive forward where he operates best.
| Declan Rice vs Bayern Munich |
| 3 key passes |
| 3/7 crosses completed |
| 80% pass completion |
| 1 shot |
| 17x possession lost |
| 100% tackles won |
| 5 defensive actions |
It might be a surprise to look at Rice’s statistics and see some numbers that are far from perfect, as the Englishman lost possession as many as 17 times and recorded a lower pass completion rate than usual.
The numbers, however, told a completely different story from what was seen on the pitch from Rice, who has been transformed by Arteta.
Martin Keown said Declan Rice had his ‘most complete performance’ against Bayern Munich
Rice seems to get better and better as the weeks go by, with Martin Keown thinking that he saw the best from the former West Ham star against Bayern Munich.
This is why Arsenal star Declan Rice is the best midfielder in the Premier League!🌟
Speaking on TNT Sports’ live coverage of the game, the Arsenal legend dubbed Rice’s performance the ‘most complete’ he’d seen.
“It was as if tonight they gave him the key to the city. It was the most complete performance I’ve seen this young man play,” Keown said.
“And Zubimendi made it possible,” he added, “he sits in that midfield and he navigates for Arsenal with the ball and that means Declan can get forward.”
It was a stellar performance from Rice, who left Bayern’s star-studded XI stunned by pulling the strings in the middle.
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