Declan Rice on-pitch reaction to Arsenal injury scare speaks volumes before Atletico clash

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Declan Rice on-pitch reaction to Arsenal injury scare speaks volumes before Atletico clash

Eberechi Eze is optimistic he avoided injury despite being substituted in the second half of Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle

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The Arsenal medical staff had barely attended to Eberechi Eze before Declan Rice signalled back to the bench, telling Mikel Arteta and Co that his team-mate needed to be substituted.

Eze already seemed set that he could not continue but Rice was keen to hammer that message home and get the attacker off the pitch as soon as possible.

It was a telling response because in the past two weeks alone, Eze has hit sparkling form and now looks crucial to their ambitious pursuit of the Double.

He dazzled from a wide role at the Etihad Stadium, hitting the post before curling home a stunner which eventually proved to be the winner against Newcastle.

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At Crystal Palace, Oliver Glasner's 3-4-2-1 provided the 27-year-old with the space and freedom to create. The team was effectively built around his qualities and the system brought out the best in him.

It's a different ball game at Arsenal because they have star quality all over the pitch and Eze has stiff competition for a starting role.

He exploded into life in both North London Derbies against Tottenham and has also enjoyed several other moments of brilliance, not least his spectacular goals against Palace and Bayer Leverkusen.

Arteta has been searching for small tactical tweaks in recent weeks to drive the team on and moving Eze to the left has given Arsenal another dimension.

Eze confirmed after being subbed against Newcastle that the change was precautionary and he's now in line to play a key role in his side's Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid.

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It really feels as though he is coming into his own at the business end of the season. Having recently been without captain Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, it's easy to see why Rice was so hasty to get Eze off the pitch.

The latter's ball-carrying ability, dribbling, creative spark and shooting qualities could prove to be a lethal asset for the Gunners in the coming weeks.

Opposition defences like to sit deep, Atletico will certainly be no different and Eze has the skillset to unlock the door and make things happen.

He has worked his whole career, enduring numerous setbacks, for nights like Wednesday. Given he is currently playing with such confidence, Eze looks ready to grab the bull by the horns.

Ryan Taylor

Ryan Taylor is a London-based Football Reporter who has worked across Reach's National titles since 2018. After graduating from the University of Brighton with a Sports Journalism degree, he previously climbed the ranks of the Daily Express, where he also covered boxing, before joining the Sunday Mirror as a Football Reporter in 2023. Ryan has developed a strong track record for breaking news on the London football beat.

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