Micah Richards thinks Declan Rice’s ability to get forward is being impeded by Arsenal’s insistence on always being so secure in midfield.
The former Manchester City defender thinks that Mikel Arteta’s team need to show more in attack if they are to win the Premier League title this season.
🤔 Do you agree with Micah Richards: Arsenal have become TOO DEFENSIVE MINDED…
The Gunners just about got over the line at the Emirates Stadium against a 10-man Chelsea team after failing to kill the game off.
During this season, Rice has shown he can play a key role in helping the Gunners look more threatening in attack; however, he doesn’t seem to have the license to get forward enough.
Micah Richards questions Declan Rice’s attacking licence at Arsenal
Micah Richards has questioned Declan Rice’s indecisiveness in joining Arsenal’s attack, which is limiting the team’s ability to harm teams.
The Rest Is Football pundit claims that the most important thing was getting the three points against Chelsea, but he has big doubts about the performance.
Richards has urged Arteta’s team to stop being so ‘defensively-minded’, as it is limiting players like Rice, who is more focused on his defensive duties.
“Arsenal fans probably won’t care. It was about the victory. They got the victory. They extend that lead to five points, but having watched the game, forget the stats and everything now,” he told The Rest Is Football.
“You’re watching it, and the ball goes up to Gyokeres; it comes back. Then Trosard finds it hard to get into the game. Martinelli comes and is something different.
Declan Rice leads the way for Arsenal, but is he the player you trust the most to create chances?
“Declan Rice, he’s trying to get forward, but he’s more concerned with making sure the middle of the park is secure.
“So, I mean, it’s just they’re too defensively minded, and if they want to go win the league, I think they’re going to need to add a little bit more going forward.”
Declan Rice injury update after Arsenal vs Chelsea
During the win over Chelsea, Rice was forced off with a minor issue, and the Gunners will now be sweating over his fitness.
Arteta confirmed Rice will be assessed ahead of their clash with Brighton at the AMEX Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Speaking after the game, Arteta told the media: “Declan asked to be substituted, so we’re going to have to get checked and see if he’s available for Wednesday.”
There is a hope that Rice’s injury is only muscle tightness; however, a strain could keep him sidelined for a few weeks.
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