Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has heaped praise on three players following the 1-0 Premier League win over Burnley at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.
The Gunners moved five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the league standings last night, but they had to do it the hard way with a solitary goal.
Kai Havertz’s towering header from a corner in the 37th minute sealed the victory. Man City have a game in hand at Bournemouth tonight. Anything less than a win would seal a long-awaited title for the Gunners.
Havertz has been lauded by the fans after his showing, but Rice was adjudged the man of the match yesterday after a dominating midfield performance.
The Englishman was at the top of his game with 100 percent duels won (7/7). He also made seven recoveries alongside two tackles and three clearances.
Rice made a couple of crucial challenges in the box. Speaking after the game, the midfielder was asked about goalkeeper David Raya, who won the Golden Glove award once more.
In response, the 27-year-old highlighted that Raya and the two centre-backs (William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes) have been phenomenal and hailed their performances this season.
He told BBC Sport: “I don’t know where we would be without him, to be honest, and the two centre-backs. I could speak for so long about how they prepare, train and connect off the pitch; it is no coincidence how they work on the pitch. Massive props to them for the season they’ve had.”
Raya has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this campaign. The Spaniard has been exceptional between the sticks and has made massive contributions to wins with some world-class saves.
Saliba and Gabriel have been a calming influence ahead of the shot-stopper. The former was brilliant in the closing seconds yesterday with a towering header followed by a long-range clearance.
Gabriel’s influence on the team has been as good as Saliba’s in recent years. After a mixed start to his Gunners career, the Brazilian has become one of the first names on the team sheet.
The 28-year-old scored a memorable winning goal at Newcastle United this campaign, but his vital block against West Ham United in stoppage time will be replayed too if Arsenal lift the title.
Arsenal have a five-point lead over Man City, who have a game in hand. If the Cityzens don’t beat Bournemouth tonight, the Gunners will end their 22-year wait for the English top-flight title.
Otherwise, the race will go to the final matchday. Arsenal would need to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, as Man City would have 83 points and a superior goal difference if they come on top against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
Palace may have a big Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27, but it could be a testing challenge for Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, with Eagles manager Oliver Glasner unlikely to rotate heavily.
Stats from Sofascore
