https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3W61MH
HomeArsenal FCArteta clarifies Declan Rice's center-half role due to injury concerns | G3...

Arteta clarifies Declan Rice’s center-half role due to injury concerns | G3 Football

Date:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3W61MH

Mikel Arteta Reveals Decision to Try Declan Rice at Centre-Half for Arsenal

Declan Rice
Rice came off the bench to play in defence against PSV (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta has revealed that he decided to try out Declan Rice at centre-half against PSV Eindhoven as a contingency plan for any potential issues with Arsenal’s regular defensive options.

Changes for the Final Group Game

With Arsenal already securing qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League, Arteta made eight changes to the starting lineup for the final group game against PSV.

William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, and Kai Havertz were the only players who retained their places in the team after the weekend defeat to Aston Villa. Eddie Nketiah scored the only goal in a 1-1 draw in Eindhoven.

Experimenting with Rice

Arteta made substitutions just after the hour mark, bringing on Rice and Ben White for Cedric Soares and Saliba. Rice played as a centre-half for the remainder of the game.

Arteta explained that he wanted to try out Rice in this position in case any of his first-choice options get injured during the busy festive period. He mentioned that Rice has played there before and it was important to test him in case of an emergency.

Mikel Arteta
Arteta experimented with his side in the second-half (Picture: Getty)

Arteta emphasized the need to fill any gaps in the defense in the right way and acknowledged that Rice’s versatility could be valuable in such situations.

Upcoming Fixtures

Arsenal will resume league action against Brighton on Sunday.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3W61MH
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS3W61MH

Related articles:

Preview: Arsenal’s Williamson to Start against West Ham in WSL Clash

Get the latest update on Arsenal's Women's Super League clash against West Ham, as captain Leah Williamson is set to start the game. Find out how her inclusion will strengthen Arsenal's defense and provide stability at the back. Also, get insights into Manchester United's team selection and Brighton's determination to bounce back. Don't miss out on the enthralling weekend of women's football in the WSL.

Arteta Gains Valuable Insights from Klopp’s Triumph – A Tale of Inspiration

Discover the valuable insights Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gained from Jurgen Klopp's successful tenure at Liverpool. As he prepares to face Klopp's team, Arteta acknowledges the need to emulate Klopp's trophy success in order to take Arsenal to the next level. Explore how Arteta admires Klopp's clear identity and determination, and his desire to build a similar identity at Arsenal. Learn about the importance of everyone having the same intention and demanding excellence from each other, as Arteta aims for consistent trophy victories like Klopp's Liverpool. This clash between Arsenal and Liverpool is not only a battle between top teams, but also a tale of inspiration and aspiration for Arteta and his team.

Villa Dominates Sheff Utd with Convincing Victory, Secures Top Four Spot

Villa Dominates Sheff Utd with Convincing Victory, Secures Top Four Spot | Aston Villa's masterclass performance against Sheffield United secures their place in the Premier League's top four. Read about their dominant 5-0 victory and the mounting struggles of the Blades, who are facing relegation. Find out how Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey shined for Villa, while Sheffield United's dismal performance leaves them in a desperate situation. Can Villa maintain their top-four push? Will Sheffield United turn their fortunes around?

Simon Jordan’s Brutal Arsenal Claim Unveiled in Tense Moment with Keown

Discover the intense and heated discussion between Simon Jordan and Martin Keown on talkSPORT, as Jordan labels Arsenal as the Premier League's 'bottlers'. Explore the reasons behind this claim, including Arsenal's failure to secure the title last season and their struggle against teams of lower quality. Get insights from Keown defending Arsenal and their ability to overcome adversity. Find out how injuries and squad limitations impact the debate, and see if Arsenal can prove their critics wrong in their upcoming match against Liverpool. Join the fiery debate surrounding Arsenal's status in the Premier League.

Hodgson’s Confidence: Turning the Palace Around

Meta Description: Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson remains confident and resilient despite recent criticism and defeats. Learn how he plans to turn the team's form around and overcome challenges in this article.

Latest News:

Asian Cup Final: Date, UK Kick-off Time, and How to Follow the Showpiece Clash

Get ready for the highly anticipated 2024 Asian Cup final! Defending champions Qatar are looking to retain their title, but face tough competition from South Korea, Jordan, and Iran. The final will take place on Saturday, February 10 at 3pm UK time at the impressive Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Can't attend in person? Don't worry, TrillerTV+ is broadcasting the final live, allowing you to catch every thrilling moment. Make sure to mark your calendars and witness this captivating clash unfold.

Preview: Arsenal’s Williamson to Start against West Ham in WSL Clash

Get the latest update on Arsenal's Women's Super League clash against West Ham, as captain Leah Williamson is set to start the game. Find out how her inclusion will strengthen Arsenal's defense and provide stability at the back. Also, get insights into Manchester United's team selection and Brighton's determination to bounce back. Don't miss out on the enthralling weekend of women's football in the WSL.

Bissouma’s Malaria Battle at Afcon Revealed by Coach

Discover the incredible determination of Yves Bissouma as he battles malaria while playing at Afcon. Coach Eric Chelle reveals the midfielder's condition and praises his strength on the pitch. Read more about Mali's journey in the tournament and their thrilling quarter-final match against Ivory Coast. Stay updated on the latest Afcon news and the upcoming semi-final matches.

NFL Issues Roger Goodell Should Address at Super Bowl

Discover the pressing NFL issues that Commissioner Roger Goodell and team owners should address at this year's Super Bowl. From officiating controversies to playing surfaces and rule changes, find out how the league plans to maintain integrity, enhance player safety, and promote diversity in hiring practices. Plus, get insights into the NFL's international expansion plans. Read more now!