Keown Hails Arsenal Star's 'Complete Performance' Against Bayern Munich

Following Arsenal’s 3-1 Champions League win against Bayern Munich, football pundit Martin Keown singled out Declan Rice for exceptional praise. Keown described the midfielder’s display as potentially the “most complete performance” of his entire career.

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The highly-anticipated match at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday saw Arsenal strike first when Jurrien Timber headed in a corner from Bukayo Saka in the 22nd minute. Bayern Munich responded ten minutes later with a superb 24-pass team goal, finished by 17-year-old Lennart Karl. This goal made Karl the youngest player ever to score in his first two Champions League appearances.

Arsenal showed great resolve to regain control in the second half. Manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical substitutions proved effective, Noni Madueke restored Arsenal’s lead by converting a cross from fellow substitute Riccardo Calafiori while Gabriel Martinelli sealed the 3-1 victory in the 77th minute, capitalizing on a mistake by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

A successful night for Arteta’s team resulted in them securing a three-point lead atop their group standings after five matches. While they prepare to face Club Brugge away on December 10th to complete the group stage, the victory was marred only by a possible injury concern for Leandro Trossard, raising worries before their upcoming Premier League match against Chelsea.

‘I was out of my seat in that second half. Declan Rice makes a tackle near the dugout and then suddenly Calafiori down that left-hand side, what a ball into the box,’ ex-Arsenal and England defender Keown said on TNT Sports shortly after the final whistle.

‘Two substitutes, decisions at the right time, but they went through the gears, Arsenal, and they lay down a marker with that performance tonight.

‘Spurs at the weekend and Bayern Munich got worked tonight and they realised really what a contender Arsenal are in the Champions League this season.’

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Keown offered effusive praise for Rice’s individual performance, asserting that the England international played with complete control and freedom, akin to being granted unlimited authority or “the keys to the city.”

‘He was galloping around that pitch. It was as if they gave him the keys to the city,’ Keown said of Rice, who deservedly went home with the man-of-the-match award. It was the most complete performance that I’ve seen this young man play.’

Keown emphasized that Martin Zubimendi’s crucial role on the field is what enables Declan Rice to advance and effectively attack (or “roam and wreak havoc”) from a more forward position.

Essentially, Zubimendi’s presence provides the necessary stability or defensive cover that unshackles Rice, allowing him to focus his energy on the offensive third of the pitch.

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