Overview
- Returning from a minor knee issue, Rice scored twice in a 3-2 win at Bournemouth to seal a fifth straight league victory and extend Arsenal’s lead to six points.
- Pundits including Jermain Defoe, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Troy Deeney lauded the display, with assessments ranging from a "masterclass" to "future England captain" and a place in BBC’s team of the week.
- Rice publicly defended Viktor Gyokeres during the striker’s dry spell, calling him one of the best in the world and detailing his pivotal hold‑up play in the move leading to Rice’s first goal.
- He praised new partner Martin Zubimendi as "unreal," highlighting the Spaniard’s intelligence and their growing on‑field understanding.
- Social reactions included Ivan Toney’s joking "get him up front" message and Chloe Kelly’s "too good," while separate reports cite Defensa Central in saying Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez views Rice as a dream target, a move widely portrayed as unrealistic given his contract and Arsenal’s stance.