In football, there are tackles, and then there are statements. On a night when Arsenal needed leaders, Declan Rice delivered one of those moments that will be replayed in highlight reels for months to come. It all began from what looked like a costly mistake — a misplaced pass off a corner that left Arsenal exposed and Bilbao racing forward on the counterattack.
Most players would have hesitated, perhaps slowed their pursuit once the attacker had a head start. But Rice is cut from a different cloth. From well behind, he launched into a lung-bursting chase, eating up the ground with those long strides, eyes fixed on the ball and the man in possession. What followed was pure grit and precision — a perfectly timed recovery tackle that not only stopped the attack but also reignited Arsenal’s momentum.
That single action summed up everything about Rice’s game — the hunger, the resilience, and the unshakable determination that have made him one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders. It was the kind of moment that reminds fans why he’s among the Ballon d’Or nominees this year.
But Rice’s performance was far more than just that recovery. Over the course of his 83 minutes on the pitch, he put on a clinic in midfield dominance. He completed 54 of his 56 passes, an astonishing 96% accuracy, showing both his composure under pressure and his ability to keep Arsenal ticking. Whether it was quick one-touch exchanges or switching play with pinpoint precision, Rice dictated the tempo like a true midfield general.
His presence wasn’t just about passing. With 68 touches, 5 passes into the final third, and 5 accurate long balls out of 5 attempted, Rice combined control with creativity. He was constantly looking to push Arsenal forward, threading balls into dangerous areas and stretching Bilbao’s shape. Even from set pieces, his delivery was threatening — 5 corners swung in with intent.
Defensively, Rice was unbreakable. He made 3 key defensive actions, recovered the ball 7 times, and crucially, was never dribbled past. That’s a stat that speaks volumes, especially in a game where Bilbao tried to hit Arsenal with pace and direct running. His reading of the game was flawless, cutting out danger before it could escalate.
One of the most underrated aspects of Rice’s game is how he blends defensive solidity with attacking contribution. Against Bilbao, he even attempted dribbles, succeeding in 50% of them, showing that he’s not afraid to take on an opponent when the space opens up. Yet, he never lost sight of his primary role — ensuring that Arsenal’s midfield was a fortress.
This wasn’t just a solid outing; it was a statement of intent. Rice played like a man who knows exactly why his name is being mentioned among the world’s best. Every pass, every recovery, every decision was laced with authority. It was the performance of someone who thrives in responsibility, who relishes the big moments, and who refuses to let his team down.
Mikel Arteta has often spoken about Rice’s mentality — the way he trains, the way he leads, and the example he sets for younger players. Performances like this one show that it’s not just talk. Rice is fast becoming the heartbeat of this Arsenal side, the player they look to when the game demands control and composure.
As the final whistle blew, the applause wasn’t just for Arsenal’s victory; it was for a midfielder who gave everything for the badge. Declan Rice didn’t just play against Bilbao — he dominated them, physically and mentally. And if he keeps performing at this level, the Ballon d’Or talk won’t just be hype. It’
