Only “Number 8” Declan Rice, Arsenal’s Bright Spot

LONDON, SATURDAY — Arsenal worsened their results over the past week with a defeat against Bournemouth. There is not much to expect from "The Gunners" at the moment, except for the impressive performance of midfielder Declan Rice, who shone again when played in his original role as "number 8".

Already fallen, struck by a ladder as well. This proverb aptly describes the series of misfortunes faced by Arsenal this week. While trying to recover after losing 0-1 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals, they were defeated again by Bournemouth 1-2 in the English Premier League.

The two defeats occurred at Arsenal's own home, the Emirates Stadium. The latest result against Bournemouth, on Sunday (4/5/2025) early morning WIB, was particularly painful as Arsenal had taken the lead first. Moreover, they were aiming for a positive outcome as preparation for the second match against PSG on Thursday.

"It is very disappointing. We lost control after conceding. Our play became too chaotic and careless in the second half. That is unacceptable. We should have used this match to be better prepared to face PSG," said Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

Despite the poor performance and results, Arsenal can still take something positive from Emirates. This could slightly boost the confidence of the Gunners as they visit PSG for a do-or-die match. Hope arises from Rice, who managed to score the opening goal.

Rice was the most shining figure among the Arsenal squad. He showed something that was not seen in the first leg of the semifinal against PSG. The England international midfielder returned to his role as a "number 8" or box-to-box, no longer playing as an anchor like in midweek.

Arsenal fielded their best squad, except for defender Jurrien Timber who was rested. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta played midfielder Thomas Partey, who was absent due to a card accumulation during the match against PSG. Partey took over the anchor position, while Rice was given the freedom to move.

The movement of Rice significantly aids in dangerous attacks. He often runs to create space for passes and disrupts the opponent's defensive structure. In just the first half, Rice has already produced three shots inside the penalty area. This number is the highest among other players.

Rice's presence provides other players, such as Odegaard, with more options for passing. Odegaard is not confused when surrounded by opposing players. This is evident as the creative midfielder, who was nearly invisible during the match against PSG, contributed one assist to Rice.

Rice's dynamic movement is greatly needed because Arsenal currently lacks a pure striker. Due to a storm of injuries, Arteta has been forced to play either midfielder Mikel Merino or winger Leandro Trossard as the focal point of the attack. They need assistance from Rice.

When purchased from West Ham United in the summer of 2023, Rice was still known as a defensive midfielder. Arteta changed his role because Rice possesses many advantages in the offensive aspect, including his tall stature, athletic physique, and powerful shot, which can be useful in the opponent's penalty area.

Rice was withdrawn in the 74th minute, replaced by Merino, in preparation for PSG. Interestingly, after the midfielder came off, Arsenal only managed two shots in almost 20 minutes including injury time. None of them were on target. Their attacks became very monotonous.

Just a minute without Rice, Arsenal immediately conceded a second goal. "After that substitution, Arsenal were left with a player who had no confidence, no goal-scoring ideas, no instincts. They struggled," former England goalkeeper Robert Green told BBC Sport.

Partey is now able to return to play in the second semifinal match. Rice no longer needs to replace him. With some positive aspects from the previous match, Arsenal should be more optimistic in facing PSG. Rice was the hero of Arsenal's victory over Real Madrid in the quarterfinals.

As a result of the poor trend in the league, with only one win out of five matches, Arsenal's second position is under threat. They are only three points ahead of third-placed Manchester City. The league still has three weeks remaining. Arsenal is facing a tough schedule ahead, including matches against Liverpool and Newcastle.

"We should have been able to kill the game with the opportunities we had (when leading 1-0). However, we failed to capitalize on those chances and instead conceded two goals from set pieces. We defended very poorly, far from the standards we usually display," emphasized Arteta.

Bournemouth's resurgence was achieved in a unique manner. It all began with winger Antoine Semenyo, who came on from the bench. Just two minutes on the field, he delivered a long throw-in assist. That pass resulted in a goal from a header by defender Dean Huijsen.

Forward Evanilson completed the visitors' resurgence in the 75th minute. He took advantage of the scramble at Arsenal's far post during a set-piece situation. The video assistant referee (VAR) briefly checked for a possible handball, but it was not substantiated, and the goal was allowed to stand.

As a result, Bournemouth successfully created a historic night. This was their first victory at the Emirates. Bournemouth had lost in their last seven matches. Additionally, they also became the first team to defeat Arsenal both at home and away this season.

"We know that we have never scored points here. This motivates us to give more. We performed well in the first half and were able to control the rhythm better in the second half. These are three very important points for us," said Huijsen. (AP/REUTERS)