5 key moments in Declan Rice’s life at Arsenal that made his £100 mil price tag seem like a bargain.
1. Two Free-Kick Stunners Against Real Madrid
When your set-piece coach tells you not to shoot, you would instantly refuse even to consider going for the goal. That is especially in the Champions League quarter-final against the most decorated team in Europe, with 15 UCL titles, Real Madrid.
But Declan Rice? Not once, but twice, he dared. He dared to create history, doing so by striking two perfect free kicks in the space of 12 minutes. No one had ever scored two direct free kicks in a Champions League knockout match. Rice made it look easy. That night, the Emirates Stadium erupted, and everyone in the ground and at home realised just what the Englishman was capable of.
2. Arsenal Player of the Season 2024/25
Rice concluded the 2024/25 season with nine goals and ten assists, along with impressive stats such as winning possession 156 times. Also, he created 59 chances, second behind Saka. His phenomenal season earned him 52% of the fan vote to be Arsenal’s Player of the Year. He was also included in the Champions League Team of the Season and nominated for the Premier League Player of the Year.
3. A Goal to Remember Against His Old Club
Matches at your former club’s ground can always be hard for a player. Rice arrived at West Ham United’s London Stadium to a conflict of boos versus cheers. Some felt he betrayed the club after joining a fellow London side, whilst others embraced their former captain’s return. Despite the mix of emotions, Rice battled on for Arsenal in a 6-0 rampant battering against the Hammers. However, a statement was made that day by Rice.
A 25-yard first-time strike by the midfielder nestled into the top-left corner. West Ham’s keeper, Areola, was left starstruck. He could not have hit it any better, and the goal deservedly won the February 2024 Goal of the Month.
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4. First Arsenal Goal – One to Remember
Rice exploded into Arsenal fans’ hearts in the 96th minute of his fifth match for the Gunners. Against Manchester United, at home, Rice forced in a volley inside the box to put Arsenal in front. He cemented his name as Arsenal’s new star man and a game-changer for Mikel Arteta. “Ice Ice Baby”, Rice’s intuition song, echoed around The Emirates, with fans changing ‘Ice’ to ‘Rice’. With just five games in for Arsenal, he was already loved by every single Arsenal fan.
5. Last-minute winner Against Luton
A header in the 97th minute to win the match 4-3. The latest goal to win a game that Arsenal FC have scored away from home since the 2006/07 season. The goal’s significance? It temporarily put the club five points clear at the top of the table, with Rice describing it as a “massive moment” in the title race. Players went wild. Fans went crazy. The goal weighed more than just three points.
Since Declan Rice has joined Arsenal, he has shown tremendous amounts of attitude, class, and character, alongside his world-class footballing ability. From European brilliance to domestic achievements, these five moments showcase why Declan Rice is a genuine asset to Arsenal, who boasts a winner’s mentality.
