Declan Rice lauded Bukayo Saka as one of the best wingers in the world after scoring on his Arsenal return against Fulham.
Saka, who had spent more than three months out, netted seven minutes after coming on to secure a 2-1 victory over the Cottagers at the Emirates.
Arsenal have badly missed their star winger after falling behind Liverpool in the title race in his absence and the 23-year-old was given a rapturous applause when he returned to the field in North London.
Rice told Sky Sports: “The reception speaks for itself. That’s why he’s one of the best wingers in the world because he attacks the box and sniffs the goal. You take them, he’s in the right position at the right time and topped off a great night for him and for us.
“He gives us an outlet. All of our front players are so different and rotate so well.
“[Gabriel] Martinelli unbelievable tonight, real outlet for us and done well for Bukayo’s goal. With Bukayo back it’s a real boost.”
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Fulham ‘tough’ opponent
It was a comfortable evening for the Gunners, who dominated proceedings and deservedly went ahead through Mikel Merino’s deflected goal but failed to add to their tally prior to Saka’s goal.
On the game, Rice added: “Tough, most teams play back fives here now and it’s down to us to break that down. Tough when they come to the edge of the box.
“You have to be mindful. It was comfortable but probably the last 10-15 minutes we were a bit naive and they could’ve scored two or three.”
Rice: We’ve slipped up too many times
Arsenal are still nine points behind Liverpool in the title race and while Rice knows it will take a miracle for them to lift the trophy, he says they will continue to do all they can.
He added: “We know we’re behind them in the league. We can only control what we can do and that’s to win our eight games.
“We’ve slipped up one too many times this season, we will keep hunting them down and keep putting pressure on them that’s all we can do.”
