Declan Rice among best midfielders in the world, says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta hailed Declan Rice as one of the best midfielders in the world after his second-half double in Arsenal’s 3-2 comeback win against Bournemouth.

Arsenal had to do it the hard way at the Vitality Stadium when Gabriel’s miscued pass allowed Evanilson to put Bournemouth ahead after just 10 minutes. Gabriel then equalised for the visitors six minutes later.

Rice, who was unable to play any part in Arsenal’s win against Aston Villa just five days ago with a knee injury, netted his first goal nine minutes after the interval, and then added a second after 71 minutes – his first brace in 296 Premier League appearances.

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