Arsenal thrashed Atletico Madrid 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday, and while Viktor Gyokeres earned plaudits for scoring a brace and ending his goal drought, Declan Rice was the true star of the show at the Emirates.

The Gunners stunned the visitors with four goals in just 14 minutes in the second half, with Rice playing a key role in two of them and helping Mikel Arteta’s side maintain their perfect start in Europe this season, winning all three games in the League Phase.

Rice delivered a precise free-kick cross that set up Gabriel Magalhaes’ opener just before the hour mark and also contributed to Arsenal’s fourth.

The England international’s corner from the right was met by Gabriel at the front post, who flicked the ball on to Gyokeres, allowing the striker to convert with a simple tap-in at the far post.

Declan Rice Shines in Arsenal 4-0 Atletico

Rice produced an almost flawless performance with the ball on Tuesday night, completing 98% of his passes (45/46), making 63 touches and creating three chances.

The 26-year-old also recorded 100% long-ball accuracy (6/6), won two of his five ground duels and made two tackles and two fouls.

The Standard awarded Rice a 9/10 rating – the highest of any player on the field – praising the Arsenal midfielder for a ‘monster performance’:

“Created Gabriel’s goal with a free-kick that David Beckham would have been proud of. Covered so much ground with and without the ball. A monster performance.”

Along with Gabriel, who registered two goal contributions on Tuesday, Rice has arguably been Arsenal’s most important player this season, with his world-class performances in midfield continuing to improve and proving key to the Gunners’ positive start.

While the team placed significant emphasis on bolstering their attack this summer, welcoming the likes of Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, the England international once again showed that his contributions can produce decisive moments for Arsenal and drive them to victories on the European stage.

Rice has certainly enjoyed playing against Spanish opposition at the Emirates this year. Last season, the 26-year-old’s two stunning free-kicks helped Arsenal secure a 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.