Declan Rice was outstanding for Arsenal against Bournemouth, but he wasn’t the only one who impressed.
The England international scored a lovely brace in the second half to help the Gunners pick up a very important win in the Premier League.
Rice’s two goals, which gave him his first-ever brace in the English top-flight, are the reason why Arsenal won the game. He deserves all the praise he is getting.
However, Andoni Iraola has highlighted three other players who make a big difference every week.
Name your Arsenal Man of the Match vs Bournemouth but you can’t pick Declan Rice!
Andoni Iraola hails Arsenal trio William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and David Raya
Arsenal have the best defence in the Premier League.
The Gunners have conceded just 14 goals in their first 20 games in the league this season. They have let in just two goals in nine Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures as well.
That is an incredible return, and it explains why Arsenal are the favourites to win all three competitions in the coming months.
Declan Rice has been on the receiving end of all the plaudits after the win against Bournemouth, but Cherries boss Iraola made sure to praise David Raya in goal and the two Arsenal centre-halves, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
He said in his press conference, as relayed on HaytersTV: “I agree that we have a lot of things in common, especially without the ball, with Arsenal.
“The way we press or even a little bit lower, but probably their last defence, their box defence, their centre-backs [Saliba and Gabriel] and keeper [Raya], the decisive moments from them are elite.
“Right now, for us, we are very far from this level.”
How many goals would Gabriel score if he played up front for Arsenal?
He’s at it again!
Raya, Gabriel and Saliba will be upset with what has happened at Arsenal recently
Raya, Gabriel and Saliba are the best back-three in the Premier League – there is no debate there.
The three players are capable of containing any attack in the world, and they have performed incredibly well for Arsenal over the years.
However, the trio will not be happy with what has happened in the last three games.
Arsenal have conceded sloppy goals against Aston Villa, Brighton and Bournemouth. All four of those strikes could’ve been avoided.
Due to that, Arsenal’s dream of breaking Chelsea’s defensive record is all but over.
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