Declan Rice just did two things for Arsenal v Brentford he never managed at West Ham

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice achieved two things against Brentford that he never managed in his time at West Ham United.

Declan Rice was able to put Arsenal ahead with a well-placed header in the first half against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Rice has been deployed in a more advanced role for the Gunners in recent weeks, and to great effect. The 25-year-old is currently enjoying his most successful season in front of goal in the Premier League to date in his career. He has now netted six times for the north London club.

He almost came close to adding another to his tally in the second half when he struck the crossbar from long range when Arsenal were searching for a way to retake the lead. The Gunners were eventually able to find a winner, which sent them back to the top of the Premier League table, when Kai Havertz nodded in from close range.

Of course, Rice did not make his name as a goalscorer. He is an elite-level defensive midfielder, but Mikel Arteta clearly feels that he can offer plenty at both ends of the pitch.

Declan Rice hits new heights for Arsenal against Brentford

Arteta has long been encouraging Rice to push further up the pitch, and with Jorginho now regularly being relied upon to protect the back four at the base of the midfield, the former West Ham man now can take up a more advanced starting position. As a result, the England star is now finding himself in goalscoring positions more often, and has now scored in back-to-back Premier League matches, as he also netted against Sheffield United last time out. He has never managed this before, for West Ham or Arsenal.

As reported by journalist James Benge on X, Rice has now scored more goals for Arsenal this season than he ever managed in a single campaign across his seven years on the first-team books at West Ham.

Rice has enjoyed a truly exceptional first season at the Emirates Stadium since his arrival in the most recent summer transfer window. He has rapidly established himself as an integral figure in this Arsenal team. Broadcaster and Arsenal fan Piers Morgan has even claimed that Rice is the most important signing the club have made since Dennis Bergkamp was brought to north London in 1995.

It is now vital that Rice is able to stay fit and in-form for the rest of the season. If the Gunners are to be crowned Premier League champions this season, then they will need him to be firing on all cylinders.