Viktor Gyokeres Key To Arsenal Lead, Says Declan Rice

Declan Rice underlined that Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League owes much to Viktor Gyokeres. After the victory over Bournemouth, Rice made clear that Gyokeres’ all-round work, not just goals, is vital. Rice insisted Arsenal would not be leading the division without the Sweden international’s contribution.

The 3-2 win against Bournemouth on Saturday moved Arsenal six points clear at the Premier League summit, at least for now. Rice scored twice in that game, while Gyokeres again failed to score from open play, extending that run to nine matches, yet Gyokeres still influenced the contest in key moments.

Gyokeres arrived from Sporting CP in a major transfer and has five league goals so far this season. Those numbers are modest for

a leading striker, yet Rice highlighted different aspects. The forward occupied defenders, created space, and linked play, which Rice believes is essential for Arsenal’s current league position.

Rice pointed to Arsenal’s first goal against Bournemouth as an example of Gyokeres’ importance. The move began with Gabriel Martinelli’s clever flick, followed by Gyokeres’ strength in holding the ball and then releasing it to Martin Odegaard. That sequence, Rice argued, allowed Arsenal to change the direction of the match.

He said:It's tough for him, because he's got two defenders on him all game, all over him. So he has to use his strength, he has to do all he can to help the team and with my first goal, without him making that run fromGabriel Martinelli's flick and holding it, setting it off to Martin [Odegaard], that goal wouldn't happen. That was a pivotal moment in the game for us to turn the game on its head. I see how hard he hits a ball, and when that space arrives for him and the ball's arriving at his feet to score goals, he will 100% score. But at the minute, defenders in the Premier League want to be able to stop Viktor, because he's one of the best strikers in the world. Trust me, he's doing unbelievably for us, and we wouldn't be where we are without him.

Rice’s comments also reflect how Premier League defences now treat Gyokeres. According to Rice, opponents often assign two markers to Gyokeres, limiting shooting chances but opening gaps for others. Rice argued that once Gyokeres receives more space in the box, the forward’s finishing power will bring more goals.

For Arsenal supporters and neutral observers, Rice’s stance places Gyokeres’ role in clearer context. The statistics show a forward short of recent open-play goals, yet the on-pitch influence remains strong. Rice’s praise suggests Arsenal’s dressing room values Gyokeres’ contribution to their title push as highly as any goals.