Published: 19:55, 3 January 2026 | Updated: 20:05, 3 January 2026

Declan Rice raced over to the Arsenal fans tucked away into the corner, grabbed the television camera in both hands, and planted a smacker right on the lens. It was not just the broadcaster’s equipment he’d hauled into his clutches but Arsenal’s march to the Premier League title too.

For these are the big moments seized by the best players. When his Arsenal side were huffing and puffing, nervous and edgy, after Gabriel had handed Bournemouth an early lead with shocking backpass that proved even the most level heads wobble sometimes, Rice stepped up with the first brace of his Arsenal career.

With two waves of his right foot, two effortless passes into the bottom corner after late runs towards the penalty area, Arsenal were in front and then two in front with enough breathing room to weather a late storm after Junior Kroupi had pulled one back for Bournemouth.

For even after Arsenal dispatched Aston Villa without him last time out, if is to be Arsenal’s year, Rice made sure he was...