BBC pundit blown away by what ‘very professional’ Arsenal star did in Brighton win

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Garth Crooks was left blown away by what Declan Rice did in Arsenal’s 3-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

The north London side continued their outstanding Premier League run with a comfortable win on the south coast, with Rice returning to the starting XI after being rested midweek against Luton Town.

Alongside Martin Odegaard and Jorginho, Rice again put on another fantastic performance as the England international played a key role in Arsenal claiming another win on the road.

Declan Rice praised for ‘professional’ Arsenal showing vs Brighton

And writing for BBC Sport, Crooks was full of praise for the former West Ham captain, who again showed on the weekend why Arsenal paid a club-record fee to sign the dynamic midfielder.

Crooks wrote about Rice’s performance: “Arsenal were taking no chances against Brighton, bringing four players back into their starting line-up after their midweek victory over Luton.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Arsenal ace Declan Rice from his girlfriend to height

“Martin Odegaard was the star of the show against the Hatters in the absence of Rice, who made what seemed to be no more than a cameo appearance in the latter stages. However, the game against Brighton posed a completely different challenge for the Gunners and one they rose to quite brilliantly.

“Rice was once again at the heart of a very professional performance. The former West Ham captain is as effective in attack as he is in defence, which is probably why Arsenal were prepared to pay £105m for the player in the first place.”

Declan Rice again looked like a bargain signing

Football is a game that has been taken over by money, with transfer fees reaching astronomical levels with wages hitting new stages of ridiculousness in the process.

Which is why the signing of Rice has been so incredible for Arsenal, with the midfielder somehow justifying hid £105m price tag in a way few players ever could in the sport.

The England international has adjusted to Arsenal like a duck to water, and Rice could soon become a legend at the club if the 25-year-old can guide the north London side to Premier League glory.