STRUGGLING BLUES TWO WILL HAVE THEIR WORK CUT OUT TO STOP RICE
Evening Standard|April 23, 2024
FOR SO long it was assumed that Declan Rice would end up back at Chelsea, and tonight he can show them what they let slip through their fingers.
Simon Collings
STRUGGLING BLUES TWO WILL HAVE THEIR WORK CUT OUT TO STOP RICE

Arsenal host Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on what could be a pivotal night in the title race.

Rice (left) has been at the heart of Arsenal's title charge, and it will be no different tonight, when the Gunners look to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The £105million man has transformed Mikel Arteta's side since his move from West Ham last summer, adding the athleticism and strength their midfield was missing.

His impact has been in stark contrast to the struggles of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo at Chelsea, and they will have their work cut out in the midfield battle.

Caicedo and Fernandez moved to Chelsea for more than £100m each, but they are yet to justify their transfer fees.

Fernandez, in particular, has struggled to adapt and is still yet to speak fluent English.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is understanding of that, appreciating the strain that moving abroad can put on a player and his family, and he is convinced his fellow Argentine will eventually come good.

"Even if he is a world champion, he needs to adapt to the Premier League and to this club," said Pochettino.

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