Rice played 90 minutes as usual for Arsenal in the win, and was evidently relieved to be back to winning ways in the league.
Taking to Instagram after the game, the midfielder did then share a message to fans as well as praising his teammates’ performances.
Posting on his story, Rice said: “We keep the momentum building. Thank you for the support today. See you after the international break!”
Of course, Arsenal were enduring something of a mini-crisis after consecutive losses, such is the weight of expectation on Mikel Arteta’s side now.
And back-to-back wins at the Emirates have proved a timely tonic, even if Arsenal didn’t face the toughest opposition.
Declan Rice was a standout performer as usual against Burnley, and his levels since joining Arsenal have been quite remarkable.
Naturally, a lot was expected from the £105m signing, but his immediate adaptation is rarely seen in such high-profile moves.
Rice delivered another standout performance against Burnley for Arsenal
Although he is doing well in the role, it’s still something of a surprise that Mikel Arteta is so determined to play Rice as a number eight.
Rice has confessed that he still believes the number six to be his best role, even if he’s willing to adapt to anything he’s tasked with.
But it certainly is peculiar that Arteta is choosing to play one of the best defensive midfielders in the world in a more attacking role.
And whilst the Arsenal manager does have the full trust of fans, it would surely be interesting to hear his honest justification.One reason might be the form of Jorginho in the pivot.
Arteta called the Italian ‘outstanding’ against Burnley yesterday, and his positioning did allow Rice more freedom.
And heading into the international break, it does seem that Rice will return to his more traditional role in the pivot, as he always has for Gareth Southgate.
What’s clear is Rice’s versatility is clearly a huge asset for Arsenal, and his trajectory under Arteta will be fascinating to watch.
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