Rice’s Struggles Against Man United Prove Arsenal Must Hijack Tottenham’s Move For Eze

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·19 août 2025

Rice’s Struggles Against Man United Prove Arsenal Must Hijack Tottenham’s Move For Eze

Declan Rice’s performance against Manchester United was precisely the kind that should have prompted Arsenal to push ahead with the signing of Eberechi Eze.

In a match where he was expected to bring his A-game, Rice unfortunately had an off day. The Gunner is widely known as an exceptional passer and ball carrier who also works hard to prevent opposition transitions.

Vidéos OneFootball

Rice struggles at Old Trafford

However, against United, the £105 million man failed to deliver on his strengths. His struggles led to the Arsenal engine room being porous and easy to exploit.

Rice’s stats versus Manchester UnitedMinutes: 83Ground Duels Won: 0/1 (0%)Tackles: 0Accurate Passes: 20/25 (80%)Key Passes: 0Touches: 32Passes into Final Third: 2Recoveries: 3

The Englishman struggled to showcase his best attributes. Had he been at his usual level, Arsenal might have controlled the game more convincingly and fully justified the win.

With Martin Zubimendi newly introduced and the pair yet to build chemistry, it may take time before they click. Against United, they were clearly not in sync. Mikel Arteta should consider reverting to a two-man midfield pivot with Rice and Zubimendi, allowing Martin Odegaard to operate as a number ten.

Eze (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Why Arsenal must move for Eberechi Eze

If not, the Spaniard must be decisive and push for the Eze signing, a move that could finally solve Arsenal’s left-hand side struggles. In tight matches like the United clash, Eze could be the X-factor, a player capable of changing the game single-handedly.

The Crystal Palace midfielder’s arrival would bring another dynamic to Arsenal’s left central midfield, injecting much-needed creativity. But for that to happen, Arsenal must hijack his transfer with Eze reportedly close to joining Tottenham Hotspur.

If Arsenal succeed, Rice could start at left central midfield when Eze is benched, or play as a six when they start together and Zubimendi is rested. Either way, Rice was not at his best against United. Hopefully, he finds top form against Leeds because if he does, he, Odegaard and Zubimendi could still form the most potent midfield trio in the league.

Your thoughts welcome in the comments Gooners.

Daniel O

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