He didn’t score, but Mikel Arteta’s new undroppable star was Arsenal’s clear man of the match vs Man City

The Emirates Stadium witnessed a historic afternoon as Arsenal delivered an emphatic statement of intent, dismantling defending champions Manchester City in a remarkable 5-1 victory. After the heartbreak of losing the Premier League title race to Pep Guardiola’s side in recent seasons, Mikel Arteta’s men finally earned their redemption in spectacular fashion, with Declan Rice orchestrating proceedings from the heart of midfield

From the first whistle, there was something different about Arsenal’s approach. The hunger, the intensity, and the tactical sophistication that Arteta has been building over the past few seasons finally culminated in a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The Gunners’ attack was relentless, their defense resolute, but it was the midfield dominance, particularly through Rice, that set the tone for this memorable encounter.

The scoring began through captain Martin Odegaard, whose finish exemplified the confidence flowing through this Arsenal side. Thomas Partey followed with a spectacular strike, and Kai Havertz added a third, continuing his recent good form and silencing any remaining critics. However, what followed was even more special, as Hale End academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri announced themselves on the biggest stage with two remarkable goals.

While the goalscorers will naturally grab the headlines, it was Declan Rice who emerged as the true architect of City’s downfall. His statistics tell only part of the story: 51 touches, 88% pass completion, 5 key passes, 100% success rate in ground duels, 2 clearances, 2 interceptions, and 2 assists. But beyond the numbers, it was Rice’s ability to control the tempo, break up City’s attacks, and transition defense into attack that truly set him apart.

The £105 million summer signing has been growing in influence with each passing game, but this performance against the champions represented a new peak. Rice’s first assist demonstrated his tactical intelligence, finding space where there appeared to be none. His second, a perfectly weighted cross-field pass to Nwaneri, showcased the range of passing that has become increasingly evident in his game.

What makes Rice’s performance even more impressive is the context. Playing against a Manchester City midfield that has dominated English football for years, he didn’t just compete – he controlled. Every touch had purpose, every tackle was timed to perfection, and every forward pass was executed with precision. It was a masterclass in modern midfield play, combining defensive solidity with progressive passing and intelligent positioning.

While Rice controlled the middle of the park, the emergence of Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri added an extra layer of significance to this victory. Both academy graduates displayed maturity beyond their years, with Lewis-Skelly’s celebration – mimicking Erling Haaland’s signature pose – adding a touch of youthful exuberance to proceedings. Their goals weren’t just the cherry on top; they represented the fruition of Arsenal’s long-term vision, combining expensive strategic signings with homegrown talent.

Lewis-Skelly’s goal, in particular, showed the kind of confidence that has been instilled in Arsenal’s youth setup. The teenager’s finish was composed, but it was his overall play that impressed, showing no signs of being overawed by the occasion. Nwaneri, already in the record books as the Premier League’s youngest ever player, added his name to an even more exclusive list with a finish that belied his tender years.

Despite his dominant performance, Rice’s post-match comments revealed the mindset that has made him such a success at Arsenal. Speaking to Sky Sports, he acknowledged the surprise element of his attacking contributions: “To get the two assists in the second half, especially the last one, don’t think a lot of people think I have that in my locker. Five seconds before I knew I was going to play the ball out to Ethan, even before Gabi sent me the ball so, to get two assists was really big.”

His admission that he needs to “keep adding goals and assists” to his game while playing in the number eight role shows a player who, despite his excellence, remains focused on improvement. This mentality mirrors Arsenal’s collective approach under Arteta – never satisfied, always looking to evolve.

Arteta’s tactical setup deserves significant credit for this victory. The Spaniard has often been praised for his attention to detail, but this performance showed his ability to outmaneuver even the most sophisticated opponents. Rice was central to this tactical success, operating in various positions throughout the game, dropping deep when needed but also pushing forward to support attacks.

The fluidity of Arsenal’s midfield, with Rice, Partey, and Odegaard interchanging positions, caused constant problems for City’s usually well-organized structure. Rice’s ability to read the game allowed him to cover spaces efficiently, while his progressive passing helped Arsenal bypass City’s press with remarkable ease.

When Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign Rice from West Ham, eyebrows were raised at the £105 million fee. However, performances like this justify every penny spent. Rice isn’t just a defensive midfielder; he’s evolved into a complete midfielder capable of controlling games at the highest level. His ability to combine defensive excellence with progressive passing and tactical intelligence makes him a unique player in world football.

The way Rice has adapted to Arsenal’s style while maintaining his core strengths is a testament to both his ability and Arteta’s coaching. He’s become the cornerstone of Arsenal’s midfield, providing a platform for the team’s more attack-minded players to flourish while offering protection to the defense.

This victory, while significant, is just one step in Arsenal’s journey. However, it’s the manner of the win, and particularly Rice’s performance, that suggests the Gunners are ready to challenge for major honors consistently. The combination of experienced signings like Rice with emerging talents like Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri points to a bright future.

Rice’s performance against City wasn’t just about his individual brilliance; it was about his ability to elevate those around him. His presence has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s play, providing the perfect blend of security and progression that top teams require. As the season progresses, his importance to this Arsenal side only seems to grow.

In a game full of outstanding performances, Rice’s display stood out for its completeness. He showed why he’s become undroppable for Arteta, combining defensive excellence with progressive passing and tactical intelligence. The victory over Manchester City wasn’t just about the scoreline; it was about the manner of the performance, with Rice conducting the orchestra to perfection.

As Arsenal continue their pursuit of Premier League glory, performances like this will be crucial. The emergence of young talents and the dominance of key signings like Rice suggests that this Arsenal team isn’t just built for today – it’s built for sustained success. In Rice, they have found not just a midfielder, but a leader who can drive them toward their ambitious goals.

This was more than just a victory; it was a statement of intent from both Arsenal and Rice. The challenge now is to maintain this level of performance, but with Rice marshaling the midfield, Arsenal fans have every reason to believe that their team can compete at the very highest level. The £105 million investment in Rice is looking more like a bargain with each passing game, and performances like this suggest the best is yet to come.