Arsenal not at their best but still winning

"We have a lot of records now in our history," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, "but I think we want to translate that to what's going to happen in May."

Mikel Arteta on Declan Rice: “He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team. And I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve.” Pic: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire.

“Probably it’s not their best game, or the game they plan to play, but they find a way to win.” Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola’s assessment of Arsenal’s 3-2 victory over his side could be applied to many of the Gunners’ wins of late.

Mikel Arteta’s team were certainly not at their best in their narrow win at the Vitality Stadium, much like several of their recent victories. The 2-1 home win over Wolves, a narrow 1-0 away victory at Everton, and their 2-1 triumph over Brighton, Arsenal continue to find a way to win games.

It is often said that the hallmark of champions is finding a way to win when not at your absolute best, and Arteta will certainly be hoping that is the case as they look to end their Premier League title drought this season.

They had the returning Declan Rice to thank for their latest win. The midfielder, who missed the 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa with a knee injury, came back into the starting 11 against Bournemouth to score twice and secure another valuable victory for his side in their quest for the title.

They will almost certainly need another big display from him on Thursday, when Arsenal host an improved Liverpool side at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners’ August defeat to Arne Slot’s side was one of just two league losses this season. Back then, it looked like the Reds were well placed to go on and win another league title having started the season in dominating fashion.

Plenty has changed since then, however. Liverpool are no longer in the title race, having fallen away completely following a dreadful run of form from the end of September until November, and it is Arsenal who go into the game as strong favourites to come away with three points.

It was Liverpool that found a way to win in their last meeting, despite neither side being at their best, with Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick securing a narrow 1-0 victory at Anfield. But if Arsenal can again find a way on Thursday, it will be another big step towards Arteta silencing the doubters.

“We have to keep going, we have a lot of records now in our history but I think we want to translate that to what's going to happen in May and that's a long way away so we need to stay focused on what we're doing,” Arteta said after his side’s latest win.

“Learn from every game, keep improving as a team and make sure that everybody is very connected to give the team what it needs."

It was perhaps surprising that Arsenal coped so well without the ever-present Rice in their previous victory over Villa. He has been a constant for Arteta, playing 27 times in all competitions this season and the Villa clash was the first Premier League match in which he has not been involved in this season.

Arsenal moved to address their squad depth in the summer and have been well placed to deal with another injury hit campaign, but Rice is arguably the one player Arsenal could not cope without should he miss an extended amount of time, given the complete skillset he brings to the midfield.

And despite believing he is already one of the best midfielders in the world, Arteta says the 26-year-old is only scratching the surface of what he can be.

“Declan is constantly adding things to his game,” Arteta said after the midfielder’s double. “He’s constantly adding things to his role in the team. And I don’t see where he can stop because he can still improve in a lot of areas and he wants to improve.” 

Rice’s importance to this Arsenal team was already well known but his match-winning display further underlined just how pivotal it is that he stays fit between now and the end of the season.

“To miss that [game against Villa] was annoying,” Rice reflected after the win over Bournemouth. “To come back today and help the team and score two, I think the fans will be really happy. And I'm happy myself that I could help out, because this team's special and if we're all chipping in together, I'm sure good things will happen.” 

The Gunners had found themselves 1-0 down against Bournemouth when the usually reliable Gabriel played a pass straight to Cherries striker Evanilson in front of goal for an easy finish. The Brazilian would make up for his error six minutes later, however, by firing in an equaliser. Junior Kroupi’s late goal set up a nervy ending for Arteta’s side after Rice had put his team 3-1 ahead, but his double proved enough to earn another three points.