Arteta explains what he told Arsenal star Declan Rice during on-pitch interaction

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has now opened up about the conversation he had on the pitch with Declan Rice after Arsenal beat Wolves.

Arsenal endured a nervy ending in their 2-1 win over Wolves, with Declan Rice playing a key role in ensuring that the Gunners did not let their lead slip, and held on to claim all three points.

After a sensational first half performance, Arsenal let their levels drop in the second period. Too often, players in red and white were clumsy and careless in possession. This cost Mikel Arteta’s side in the 86th minute, when Oleksandr Zinchenko gave the ball away in the Arsenal penalty area, and Matheus Cunha was on hand to curl home and get the visitors back into the game. 

One player who did not switch off or let his standards slip in the second half was Rice. The 24-year-old midfielder continued to perform with full-blooded commitment and relentless energy.

As per Sofascore statistics, Rice made two tackles, five interceptions, three clearances, and won three duels. As Wolves pushed on after the break, the 48-cap England international proved to be the biggest obstacle they came up against.

This will have come as no surprise to many Arsenal fans. Since his club-record £105 million arrival at the Emirates Stadium in the recent summer transfer window, the former West Ham United man has rapidly established himself as an integral feature of Arteta’s side. 

Mikel Arteta details Declan Rice conversation

Rice has certainly lived up to his price tag in his time in north London so far. His professionalism and defensive determination will help Arsenal get over the line in many matches this season, as it did against Wolves on Saturday. As much as anyone else, Arsenal fans have Rice to thank for the club currently sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table.

After the match, whilst still on the pitch, Arteta was quick to tell the midfielder what he thought of his display. In his post-match press conference, the manager was quizzed about what he had said to Rice after the final whistle. As quoted by the club’s official website, Arteta explained, “I was just praising him for the way he played again, and so happy so there was nothing to worry about that.”

It is vital for Arsenal that Rice is able to remain fit and in form for the remainder of this season. Arteta is clearly hugely reliant on the player, even more so in the face of Thomas Partey’s persistent injury issues. If the Gunners are to become Premier League champions this season, Rice will need to be at the heart of it.