Jamie Carragher believes that Mikel Arteta’s tactical tweak to move Declan Rice into a deeper-lying role has helped make Arsenal so much better.
The Gunners looked to be faltering over recent months; however, the last three matches have seen a complete change in fortunes.
👀 True or False: Arsenal are so much better when Martin Zubimendi is BENCHED and Declan Rice starts in the six…
The North London club comfortably saw off Fulham, whilst Man City dropped points, and they also eliminated Atletico Madrid to reach the Champions League final.
In the last three games, the manager seems to have switched his midfield around, and his use of Rice has helped make them so much better.
Jamie Carragher hails Declan Rice’s new role for Arsenal
Jamie Carragher thinks that Declan Rice’s new role in the number six has really helped to improve Arsenal over the last week.
The 27-year-old has featured in a deeper-lying role in both games against Atletico and at home to Fulham at the weekend.
Myles Lewis-Skelly has also been used in midfield and looked superb, with Martin Zubimendi finding himself sitting on the bench.
Mikel Arteta’s team just seem to be playing with far more purpose recently, and it is no wonder their fortunes have drastically changed.
Carragher told CBS Sports: “I think Declan Rice was fantastic. I think he’s been the best player in both these games.
Who was your Man of the Match vs Atletico Madrid?
“Even though Arsenal find themselves where they are in the Champions League and the Premier League because of what they’ve done over nine or 10 months, they were definitely wobbling in the last sort of three or four weeks.
“I think the last three games, starting basically last week, they’ve almost sorted themselves out, and I think the decision to move Declan Rice a little bit deeper from Mikel Arteta has had a huge influence on it.”
Martin Zubimendi needs to remain on the bench for Arsenal
For several weeks now, there have been question marks over Zubimendi, and now he needs to remain on the bench for Arsenal.
The Spaniard started the season so well for the Gunners; however, he has stopped being quite as effective over recent months.
Rice and Lewis-Skelly look far more comfortable on the ball and are willing to play forward, and Arteta must stick with this duo.
Eberechi Eze, Rice and Lewis-Skelly now look to be the midfield formula for Arsenal and could help them to achieve a historic season.
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