Jamie Carragher has identified Declan Rice's repositioning as the catalyst behind Arsenal's recent resurgence, with the midfielder's deeper role proving instrumental in the Gunners' push for an unprecedented double. After edging past Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate in their Champions League semi-final, Arsenal now sit five points clear atop the Premier League with just three matches remaining.
The tactical adjustment came when Mikel Arteta dropped Martin Zubimendi in favour of academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, allowing Rice to operate further back on the pitch. This shift coincided with Arsenal's most convincing performances in months, beginning with a 3-0 demolition of Fulham before the dominant display against Atletico at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Rice's Midfield Mastery Turns the Tide
Carragher praised Rice unreservedly following the knockout, describing him as "the best player in both legs" and highlighting his influence on Arsenal's newfound stability. "Even though Arsenal find themselves where they are because of what they've done over nine or ten months, they were definitely wobbling," Carragher explained on CBS Sports. "In the last week they've sorted themselves out and I think the decision to move Declan Rice a little bit deeper has had a huge influence."
The England international currently sits third favourite for the Ballon d'Or, a recognition of his consistency throughout the campaign. His Man of the Match performance in the second leg against Atletico underscored why his deeper positioning has proven so effective—controlling tempo, breaking opposition play, and launching Arsenal's lightning-quick transitions.
Arsenal's confidence has visibly returned. "It had probably been a few months since we've seen that, maybe since they beat Tottenham 4-1 in the north London derby," Carragher noted, pointing to the north London derby victory as the last time the side exhibited such free-flowing attacking football. With a Champions League final already secured and the Premier League crown within touching distance, Arsenal stand just two wins from glory—but Carragher warned they must still "get across the line and get there."
