I saw Declan Rice teach Mikel Arteta one vital lesson in Arsenal Champions League win

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Arsenal were able to record a relatively comfortable 3-0 win vs Monaco at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The Gunners started strongly in this Champions League clash, as they dominated the opening period. However, Arsenal missed several goalscoring opportunities and were only one goal to the good at the break, with Bukayo Saka having netted from close range. 

Mikel Arteta’s side were in complete control, though, as they won the midfield battle, with Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martin Odegaard taking charge in the middle of the park. 

• READ MORE: Everything to know on Arsenal’s Declan Rice from his girlfriend to height

Declan Rice proves best position vs Monaco

With Merino coming into the team to feature in a more advanced role alongside Odegaard, and Thomas Partey surviving an injury scare to deputise at right-back, there was an opportunity for Rice to be deployed at the base of the midfield trio. 

The 25-year-old made his name at West Ham United in this role, establishing himself as one of the best No. 6s in the Premier League, prior to his switch to the Emirates Stadium. Arteta encouraged Rice to adopt a more advanced role at Arsenal. 

However, the England international is at his best, and most comfortable, when tasked with screening the back four. Arsenal fans have been urging Arteta to play Rice deeper for some time, and against Monaco he showed why. 

Rice is one of the best around at breaking up opposition attacks, and driving up the pitch on the ball to transition from defence into attack. This Champions League outing showcased his quality in this part of the pitch, and the plan for the manager must now be to keep him in that position.

Myles Lewis-Skelly can be future of Arsenal midfield

With Partey and Jorginho both in the twilight years of their careers, there will soon be a need to provide Rice with back up in this No. 6 role. Arteta could turn to the transfer market to solve this problem, but perhaps already has the perfect solution available to him at Arsenal. 

Myles Lewis-Skelly dazzled Arsenal fans upon his first Champions League start vs Monaco. The 18-year-old showed great composure on the ball, and an eye for a pass as he played a key role in the build up to the opening goal.

Lewis-Skelly featured at left-back in this game, but is naturally a midfielder, and ought to be in line to become Rice’s understudy for the coming years.