Declan Rice names ideal role as Mikel Arteta explains Fabio Vieira change
Morale in the Arsenal camp appears to be sky high following Sunday's thrilling 3-1 victory over Manchester United at the Emirates.
A 96th-minute winner from Declan Rice swung the tie in the Gunners' favour after Marcus Rashford had initially put Erik ten Hag's men in front midway through the first half. However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta didn't have to see his side fall behind for long, with Martin Odegaard equalising two minutes later.
After Rice had sent the Emirates wild, Gabriel Jesus put the result beyond doubt with his first of the season and Arsenal's third of the afternoon. Given the size of the two clubs involved and their intense rivalry, there has been plenty of fall-out and reaction from the contest.
Here are some of the main talking points emerging out of the red half of north London on Tuesday, September 5.
Rice makes preference clear
Arsenal's man of the moment has opened up on whereabouts on the pitch he feels he can make the most impact for the Gunners.
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Rice has enjoyed a stellar start to his Arsenal career, with the 96th-minute winner against United undoubtedly the highlight of his Emirates stay so far. His ability to read the game and sniff out opposition attacks has helped Arteta's men in their aim of dominating as much of the game as possible.
Declan Rice was Arsenal's match winner against Manchester United (Sky Sports)The Gunners boss has kept an open mind in regards to where he can deploy his £105million man this season and it appears the ex-West Ham captain is also keen to try his hand in new roles, though Rice did reveal he has a preference.
"I am comfortable playing in both roles," Rice explained. "I like the six role a lot more, it's where I feel best in training on and off the ball. But I've been playing the eight role more, you get more chances in the box. Wherever the manager wants me to play, I'll play."
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Arteta explains Vieira change
Fabio Vieira assisted Gabriel Jesus' goalThe Arsenal boss has claimed that he has noticed a "change" in Fabio Vieira after yet another impressive cameo off the substitutes' bench from the former Porto man.
Vieira was only introduced off the bench in the 77th minute in place of the much-maligned Kai Havertz, but managed to influence proceedings much more than the £65m Germany international. It was Vieira who helped put the result beyond any doubt when he played a perfectly weighted pass to send Jesus on his way.
Following the full-time whistle, Arteta admitted he harboured confidence Vieira would stamp his authority on the clash and conceded there's a chance the 23-year-old could be a regular starter after the international break.
"Every player has a chance to do that," he admitted. "Today we decided to start with Kai, we knew that Fabio would have a big impact especially in the last few minutes, or final minutes if we needed something.
"Something has changed with Fabio, you notice with the crowd when he steps in he is different to how he was last year. He’s more mature, he’s more senior in the squad and his confidence in the squad is high so I’m really happy to have those options."
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Havertz receives backing
Kai Havertz has had a slow start to life as an Arsenal player (Getty Images)It has been a slow start for Havertz at Arsenal and the voices of those who opposed his signing are starting to grow louder with every passing week.
However, the ex-Chelsea man has received some advice from a fellow midfielder who knows what it is like to don the shirt of two of London's biggest clubs in Emmanuel Petit.
"Arsenal need to be patient but I'm pretty sure he will be a hit with Arsenal," Petit told BettingSites.co.uk. "He was struggling at the start of the season and against Crystal Palace, he was lost at times on the pitch and wasn't sure of his movements.
"I still believe that with the way he plays up front, he needs to improve his understanding with his new team-mates. I believe he must improve his personality and character because he has quality.
"He was suffering over what happened with Chelsea last season but he was the best goalscorer for Chelsea last season. He has to fight against his own personality and character."
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