Arsenal signed off for the international break with a slender 1-0 victory over London rivals Chelsea in a match that lacked in quality from both teams.
William Saliba and Jurrien Timber impressed in the Arsenal player ratings as a solitary goal from makeshift striker Mikel Merino was enough to secure the Gunners a comfortable lead in second place in the Premier League.
Ian Wright was unimpressed with Arsenal in front of goal but Mikel Arteta’s side did enough and restricted Chelsea to just two shots on target.
Now the Arsenal players head off on international duty and will be looking to carry over momentum from the win at the Emirates Stadium when playing for their respective countries.
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Declan Rice reveals ‘most important thing’ he takes on international duty
Declan Rice is one of those Arsenal first-team players that has been called up to represent their national side and will take on Albania and Latvia in World Cup qualifiers for England.
Wayne Rooney believes Rice has too much responsibility at Arsenal and the midfielder may take up a new role for the Three Lions once again as the Thomas Tuchel era begins for England.
Upon arriving at the England training camp at St George’s Park, Rice was asked what he bring when away on international duty. His response describe the ‘most important thing’ that always travels with him.
Rice explained: “Most important thing that I bring in my Xbox, I don’t go without it.”
The Arsenal ace then went on to pose a question for his next international colleague that arrived and asked them their ‘favourite song at the minute.’ It seems spirits are high for the England team heading into their crucial qualifiers under new boss Tuchel.
Rice looking to add goals to England form like he is for Arsenal
Rice is vastly becoming an adaptable player for Arsenal with the ability to place a number of roles in the centre of midfield. For England, the 26-year-old usually plays as a defensive number six which isn’t usually the case under Arteta.
In 40 appearances for the Gunners this season across all competitions, Rice has scored five times and created eight goals, whereas for his country his role is a little more restricted in front of the defence.
Rice has five goals in his 62 caps for the Three Lions so far in his career but that includes two goals in his last four games and it will be interesting to see how Tuchel deploys the Arsenal man in his side.
The Gunners star has the capability to push on if needed but also possesses some of the world’s best attributes to hold in midfield and provide a platform for his national side to play through.
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