Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta shared an anecdote to emphasize his belief that each game unfolds uniquely, as Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix made their debut for Barcelona as second-half substitutes in a dramatic La Liga victory over Osasuna.
In the match at Emirates Stadium, the Gunners secured a 3-1 win over Manchester United, with several dramatic twists occurring in stoppage time alone. Arteta addressed suggestions that he had been over-complicating Arsenal's strategies, which had previously made them formidable title contenders and long-time Premier League leaders last season before faltering under Manchester City's relentless pressure in the final stages.
Undoubtedly, the star of this chaotic match was Declan Rice, signed for a staggering £105 million from West Ham United, precisely for games like this one. Rice proved to be the game-changer Arteta had sought during the summer transfer window.
Rice's exceptional performance, characterized by composure and control, stood out in a match where both teams appeared tense and fell short of Arteta and United counterpart Erik ten Hag's expectations.
The 24-year-old Rice made a decisive contribution deep into added time by scoring the winning goal, left unmarked at the far post during a corner kick and beating United's goalkeeper Andre Onana, with a crucial deflection off substitute Jonny Evans.
Gabriel Jesus added a solo goal as a stunned United pushed for an equalizer, easing any late nerves. However, the driving force behind this victory was unmistakable, earning Rice thunderous applause from the Arsenal faithful.
Big players are expected to deliver in crucial moments, and Rice did just that.
The Emirates Stadium resonated with cheers and a personalized rendition of Vanilla Ice's 'Ice Ice Baby' as fans celebrated Rice's impact.
After the match, Rice expressed his eagerness to learn, improve, and help Arsenal reach new heights, acknowledging the pressure that comes with playing for a massive club like Arsenal.
This performance and victory provided compelling evidence of Rice's playing ability and mental strength, validating his price tag and the heightened expectations that came with it.
Arsenal depended on Rice to make a difference in a game where they often lacked the fluidity and pace that characterized their play during most of the previous season.
Questions were raised about Arteta's tactics, particularly the role of new signing Kai Havertz, who left some Arsenal fans doubting the need for his £65 million acquisition. Havertz appeared largely anonymous in the match, aside from a missed opportunity early on and a penalty decision overturned by VAR.
Arteta remains confident in Havertz, but questions persist regarding his ideal role in the Arsenal team and his contribution to a system that was previously well-established.
In contrast, there are no doubts surrounding Rice, whose £105 million price tag, while excessive, reflects market realities. Rice has consistently demonstrated his significance, even during Arsenal's tentative early-season performances.
For Manchester United, the match was a humbling experience, as they surrendered a 27th-minute lead given by Marcus Rashford, with Arsenal's captain Martin Odegaard quickly equalizing.
Rasmus Hojlund, a £72 million striker, made an impactful debut, providing a physical presence and a focal point that United had been missing.
However, injuries to Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez forced United to rely on Harry Maguire, who had been an unwanted outcast under Ten Hag, and the 35-year-old emergency signing Jonny Evans to defend in the crucial closing stages.
The elation and celebration from Arsenal's fans contrasted starkly with the despondency among United supporters. In the end, Rice showcased why Arsenal invested heavily in him, and it is clear that more exciting moments will follow in the future.
