'Like a new signing': Declan Rice excited about one Arsenal player after Atalanta
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Arsenal weren’t at their best in the opening Champions League game of the current campaign, as they failed to find a winner against Atalanta.
Despite plenty of calls for Mikel Arteta to rest players for Arsenal‘s Champions League opener, the only change was to bring in Gabriel Jesus and the obvious return of Declan Rice.
However, the Gunners just weren’t able to find a way past an Atalanta side who looked really impressive in the press and ended up missing a penalty.
The Italian side edged things with eight shots to Arsenal’s six and 54% possession to Arsenal’s 46%.
Interestingly, the one difference in the match was David Raya, who pulled off an incredible double save from the penalty spot.
Declan Rice gave an interview after the match and was excited about one player in particular…
Declan Rice says £34m Arsenal player is ‘like a new signing’
Declan Rice missed the North London derby after picking up a red card against Brighton.
He was drafted back into the middle of midfield for Atalanta as Mikel Arteta looked to get off to the best possible start in the Champions League.
Despite Arsenal not getting the result they wanted, Declan Rice was excited about one of his teammates.
Speaking on TNT Sports on live TV after the game, Rice said Jurrien Timber is like a new signing.
Martin Keown asked him.
“Timber now playing of course, he was last year. Sterling now coming in. Does that give you extra confidence as a group that you can go one step further this year?”
Rice replied.
“You know, Calafiori to be back, Timber is like a new signing as well, obviously Raz has come in.”
Jurrien Timber’s stats vs Atalanta
Jurrien Timber was unlucky not to be sent off in the North London derby.
Last night, he put in an impressive 73-minute display. The Dutchman made two clearances, blocked one shot, won four duels, successfully completed both of his dribbles and had a passing accuracy of 93%.
He’s really made the left-back position his own so far this season, and doesn’t look like he’s about to lose it anytime soon.
However, he has been helped by Ricardo Calafiori’s injury whilst away during the international break, and Oleksandr Zinchenko is currently nursing an injury of his own.
