How Arteta is getting the best from Rice

Declan Rice is off to a standout start for Arsenal after Mikel Arteta changed his role earlier this season. The 27-year-old midfielder has been a key performer as the Gunners surged to the top of the Premier League, including being named player of the match in Arsenal’s Sunday win over Liverpool. Rice leads the league with five assists so far, all from open play, after his responsibilities shifted. Since joining Arsenal in 2023, he has scored and assisted 55 goals. Arteta told Rice he was no longer the club’s “lighthouse” and expects more this term. Rice said he’s thriving across midfield positions, especially when attacking and linking play.