Rice scores with Beckham inspiration

Midfielder Declan Rice revealed he was inspired by legend David Beckham when he scored from more than 35 meters in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea in round nine of the Premier League.

In the 77th minute, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made a strong pass that Enzo Fernandez could not control. Rice rushed forward and finished with a one-touch shot from more than 35 meters away, sending the ball into the far corner of the empty goal, reducing the score to 1-2. This was the second goal of the English midfielder since joining Arsenal for a transfer fee of 133 million USD, after the goal to make it 2-1 in the victory over Man Utd in early September.

After the match at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old midfielder suggested that watching a documentary about fellow countryman David Beckham may have contributed to his spectacular goal.

"Everyone's been talking about this Beckham documentary and I watched it for the first time last night," Rice said. "The first few scenes were Man Utd v Wimbledon, where Beckham scores from halfway and it gave me a lot of confidence."

Rice in a long-range shot from more than 35 meters, shortening the score to 1-2 for Arsenal in the 2-2 draw with host Chelsea in round 9 of the English Premier League, at Stamford Bridge, London on October 21. Photo: arsenal.com — Rice in a long-range shot from more than 35 meters, shortening the score to 1-2 for Arsenal in the 2-2 draw with host Chelsea in round 9 of the English Premier League, at Stamford Bridge, London on October 21. Photo: *arsenal.com*

Rice could have passed to three Arsenal players in an open position ahead of him, but decided to shoot straight. "In a player's mind, you have a split second to make a decision," he said. "It's the quickest thing you have to do. You have to think about whether to pass the ball or shoot yourself. I've just seen it back, it was a great finish so I'm delighted."

Rice's strike rekindled Arsenal's hopes of a point. Seven minutes later, Bukayo Saka crossed to the far post for substitute Leandro Trossard to finish diagonally to make it 2-2 and maintain their unbeaten run since the start of the season. Arsenal are now on 21 points, the same as Man City, but are behind on goal difference. Tottenham are on 20 points and will take sole possession of the top spot if they beat Fulham in the latest match of the round on 23 October.

Rice admitted Arsenal should have played better in the first half to avoid going behind at half-time. The England midfielder also said that if they had played as well in the first half as they did in the second, Arsenal could have taken all three points.

Coach Arteta encouraged Rice after the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on October 21. Photo: arsenal.com — Coach Arteta encouraged Rice after the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on October 21. Photo: *arsenal.com*

"Being 2-0 down was really difficult," said Rice. "We always go into the game thinking we're going to get three points. But the way we got a point from 2-0 down away, with the Chelsea fans and players in high spirits, showed the fighting spirit and the effort. Even though we didn't win, there are still positives."

Similarly, Trossard praised the team's spirit of not giving up and was pleased to score to help Arsenal maintain their unbeaten streak. The Belgian striker expects the "Gunners" to show a similar determination when they travel to Sevilla to play the third round of Group B of the Champions League on October 24.

Hong Duy

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