Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice had a night to remember against Dinamo Zagreb as the Englishman scored his first Champions League goal.
The Gunners beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 in Fabio Cannavaro’s first game in charge of the Croatian champions.
Rice opened the scoring for Arsenal after just two minutes, giving Mikel Arteta’s side an early lead at the Emirates.
By scoring so early, Rice matched Yaya Sanogo’s record regarding Arsenal’s fastest Champions League goals, finding the net in style.
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Declan Rice left annoyed by Arsenal win over Dinamo Zagreb
The result was one to be celebrated, as Arsenal only need a point to qualify for the Champions League round of 16.
On what was a memorable night for the Gunners and for Rice, who scored a career-milestone goal, the midfielder admitted that he wasn’t overly satisfied at full-time.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the England international explained that he was ‘so annoyed’ at a chance he missed in the second half.
“I’m so annoyed honestly because I had the same position against Man United in the cup and I missed,” he said, reliving his missed header crafted by Ethan Nwaneri.
While the midfielder was clearly frustrated, he did credit the positions he was getting himself into, sharing a glimpse into the role he was expected to play.
“I’m getting in the right positions when I play at eight and obviously scored a good goal in the first half but I’m annoyed I didn’t get a second.”
Rice’s position has been debated following his £105m transfer from West Ham, with the 26-year-old signed as a defensive midfielder but is clearly capable of a lot more.
Mikel Arteta will love Rice’s reaction to not scoring his chance
Many have commented on the Englishman’s position, including Arteta, who shared his verdict on Rice’s role.
The Spaniard admitted that he’d never wish to place a label on his record-signing, simply asking for versatility from the midfielder.
Having played in the number eight role against Dinamo Zagreb, Rice flexed his attacking excellence, consistently getting into positive positions while also running things in midfield.
Regardless of where the 26-year-old plays, he’s so often a delight to watch, being a luxurious acquisition that Arsenal have never looked back from.
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