One manager has publicly claimed that his side have become worse since they sold their player to Arsenal.

The Gunners’ recruitment has been incredible over the last few years.

Gone are the days when Arsenal would have to settle for players that the massive clubs didn’t want. We are now up there with the best teams in the world, and almost everyone would love to join us.

Mikel Arteta deserves enormous praise for the job he has done at Arsenal. Without him, we would not be where we are today.

Now, one thing the Spaniard did in last summer’s transfer window has really hurt another club’s manager, so much so that he has publicly admitted it.

Let us tell you what he said…

David Moyes makes admission about Declan Rice joining Arsenal

Arsenal signed Declan Rice from West Ham United for a club-record fee of £100 million plus £5 million in add-ons in 2023.

The Englishman has been our best player this season.

Rice hit the ground running in the Community Shield after he joined the club, and he has barely had a bad game in an Arsenal shirt since.

He was the difference-maker against Bournemouth on Saturday, and Arsenal fans absolutely love that he is at the Emirates now.

West Ham United, however, are missing him badly.

The Irons are currently ninth in the table and have suffered some huge defeats this term. They conceded six against Arsenal, five against Chelsea and Crystal Palace, and four at Newcastle United – all since the turn of the year.

That is shocking, especially as David Moyes’ sides are usually very hard to break down.

The West Ham boss was asked why his side are shipping in so many goals recently. His answer was really simple.

“Declan Rice,” he said in his press conference after the 5-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

“When you’ve got the best midfield player in the country protecting and making sure in moments probably limiting 50 per cent of [opponents’] attacks… when you get that, then it makes you much a better defensive team.”

Declan Rice has improved one thing since leaving West Ham for Arsenal

Declan Rice was already one of the best midfielders in Europe before Arsenal signed him.

The England international was West Ham’s captain and most important player. He was integral to everything they did and even helped them win the Conference League in 2023.

However, the one thing Rice often got criticised for at West Ham was his goal contributions. That has changed now.

Rice has scored seven goals and provided 10 assists for Arsenal in all competitions this season. His goal contributions this term is his best tally ever as a professional footballer.

That shows serious improvement, and the good news for Arsenal fans is that he will get even better in the coming years.

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