Arsenal blew away West Ham 6-0 on Sunday, eclipsing their previous away win record (6-1 against Everton in 2009/10 and 6-1 against Middlesbrough in 1998/1999).

Declan Rice stole the headlines in the 65th minute, hammering one home from 30 yards out to put the final nail in the coffin against his former side. His performance even prior to his goal was flawless, and was arguably the heartbeat in this formidable team display.

Key stats:
- 1 goal
- 2 assists
- 2 big chances created
- 80% crossing accuracy (4/5)
- 7 passes into the final third
- 84 touches
- 93% passing accuracy (66/71)

Perhaps most remarkably, Rice’s performance was rated 9.84 - this is the highest achieved from any midfielder in the Premier League this season (Whoscored.com).

Observations:

Declan Rice, despite operating as a 6, achieved creative statistics you would expect from a player who operates as a 10. His heat map showed that regardless of how dominant Arsenal were, he was positionally disciplined and stuck to his primary task.

Prior to the winter break, Arsenal had sometimes struggled at times from corners, with players like Trossard and Martinelli often hitting the first man. Since Declan Rice assumed responsibility for set pieces, Arsenal have looked persistently dangerous, scoring two with Gabriel and Saliba from Rice deliveries in this game alone. The technical ability he obtains for a player of his position is outstanding; it is arguably rare for a player of his profile to possess such qualities.

He’s achieved 8 G/A already this season for Arsenal, surpassing the previous starting 6 in the team (Partey) who’s best season only garnered 3 G/A.

Final thoughts:

Not only does Rice provide threat offensively (both in a creative and goalscoring sense), he has the work rate and dominance to win any midfield battle he faces. He was the drive behind this merciless Arsenal rampage against the Hammers, winning the fan voted Player of the Match award - he will be keen to keep this form going in the next game against Burnley.