In Focus: Rice adds attacking threat to fast Arsenal start

Declan Rice has not taken long to make his mark at Arsenal.

The England international has been instrumental as the Gunners' fulcrum in midfield since his £105million move from West Ham.

And the ex-Irons skipper is now starting to contribute in attack too, scoring and providing two assists in his last three appearances.

Ahead of tonight's return to his former club in the Carabao Cup, we take a look at Rice's influential start to life in North London.

Rice Rice Baby

Rice's second Premier League goal in an Arsenal shirt was a crucial one.

The 24-year-old capitalised on Robert Sanchez's mistake to guide the ball into an empty net and spark his side's comeback at Chelsea.

The hard-earned 2-2 draw was followed by a 2-1 Champions League win in Seville, with Rice setting up Gabriel Jesus to score.

He then added another assist last weekend, firing an accurate pass into the feet of Eddie Nketiah to kick-start Arsenal's 5-0 drubbing of Sheffield United.

Rice's ability to create and score is a bonus, however, he is in the team primarily for his metronomic passing and positional intelligence off the ball.

No Arsenal player has made more top-flight interceptions (14) than him — and he also ranks second for completed passes (577).

But his tendency to pop up with important goals or assists is what sets Rice apart.

Room to improve

Mikel Arteta has, understandably, been pleased with his summer midfield signing.

The Basque boss said: "He [Rice] has been terrific for us and I think he has performed at the highest level, especially in big games.

"That's when you want to see your big players. His contribution in these games has been really important, so I'm really pleased."

Asked about Rice's development as an attacking outlet, Arteta added: "This is the next step and things that we can evolve and help him to improve."

At 24, Rice certainly has room to grow, despite his warranted reputation as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League.

With consistent scoring and chance creation added to his game, he would not be far away from the finished article.

Midfield talisman

Rice is not just appreciated within the confines of the Emirates.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville highlighted the 46-cap international's impact after his goal against Chelsea.

Neville said: "I think he [Rice] is a big influence — that power, that drive.

"With him in [the team] he can be a difference and he gives them a real chance."

Rice has already established himself as a key figure and a leader in midfield for Arsenal.

If he continues to step up when it matters most — whether it be with goals or defensive interventions — the Gunners will fancy their chances of winning silverware this season.