Rice's return to form comes at right time as Arsenal gear up for tough trip to Wolves 

Here's Ian Mills on the return to form of Declan Rice 

As the song says ‘Declan Rice, we got him half price’.

Few transfers in recent years have made quite the impact that our £105m capture of former West Ham captain Rice has.

Who, as a powerful driving force during the 2023-24 season became an integral part of Mikel Arteta's side in our title bid that came so close to being realised.

However, it is fair to say he has not reached the same levels so far this time around - which can be attributed to a number of factors.

Playing throughout the entirety of England’s European Championship campaign last summer - which culminated in a second consecutive international heartbreak for the national side in that competition didn't help - certainly following on so soon after the Gunners dreams of being Premier League Champions had been cruelly snatched from their grasp on the final day of last season.

Another factor which seems to have been forgotten is the fact that Rice had playing with a broken toe for a number of important matches - an injury that surely affected his confidence and mobility. 

Thankfully, since the turn of the year, the real Rice has once again emerged with the player starting to regain his form.

Who couldn't help notice Rive giving a great display against United in the FA Cup, and was tremendous against Aston Villa.

While during the 3-0 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League at the Emirates on Wednesday evening, Rice was simply outstanding.

Yes, he should have scored with a second half header but his early goal was superbly taken, and just what we needed.

If our season is to end positively, we will need Rice to continue to consistently find this level of performance.

Let's hope he can.