Arsenal fans were singing ‘Rice Rice Baby’ in honour of Declan Rice after Arsenal’s emphatic 3-0 thrashing of the dangerous Bournemouth.
The former skipper of Westham United was in wonderful form in Saturday’s must-win early kick-off fixture against Bournemouth.
Speaking after the game when asked about the presence of the Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, the English midfielder expressed his delight in playing alongside Thomas.
Rice said: “It’s massive. The prospect of playing with Thomas, he’s been injured all season, I’ve been so excited.
“Now he’s back you can see the difference he makes. He’s so calm on the ball and does these body feints that create so much space.
“With him sitting there it allows me to go forward more. You can see that with my goal and assist. The goal came so late in the game that I thought I might as well shoot and it went in.
“I knew the type of players I was coming to play with. Martin [Odegaard] has been great. You can see the chemistry on the pitch. It’s like one big family in there.”
Thomas Partey’s return to Arsenal’s team has added a whole lot of dimensions to Arteta’s team. The Gunners have won four consecutive EPL games having scored 13 and conceded just two goals as they remain in the hunt for the title.
In Arsenal’s midfield, Thomas Partey sits in front of the defence with Rice and Odegaard roaming and enjoying themselves knowing that they have got Thomas Partey behind them.
Arsenal will play against Manchester United at Old Trafford in Week 37 and host Everton at the Emirates in their last game of the season but their destiny is not in their own hands as they must hope and pray one of Fulham, Tottenham and Westham at least secure a draw against the impeccable Manchester City.
