Declan Rice's Title Race Gaffe Leaves Arsenal Star Red-Faced
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice found himself in an awkward situation after a verbal slip-up during a post-match interview nearly saw him prematurely declare the Premier League title race over. The England international was left red-faced following his analysis of Arsenal's Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea, broadcast on CBS Sports.
The Moment That Nearly Went Too Far
Rice was discussing Arsenal's progression to the Carabao Cup final when he had to quickly backtrack after almost stating that the Premier League trophy was already secured. The incident occurred as the Gunners celebrated reaching their first final in six years, with Kai Havertz's strike sealing their spot at Wembley next month.
The midfielder praised his team's performance, saying: "Shattered. Honestly, the schedule has been ridiculous and when you're playing a team like Chelsea who have that many good players, they're constantly making you think, making you work, credit to them."
Arsenal's Strong Position in Multiple Competitions
Arsenal currently enjoy a comfortable six-point advantage at the Premier League summit, having maintained their lead despite recent challenges. Their stumble against Manchester United briefly gave Manchester City and Aston Villa opportunities to close the gap, but both rivals have since faltered in applying consistent pressure.
The Gunners' position has been strengthened by:
- A remarkable comeback from Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester City
- Aston Villa's defeat to Brentford
- Their own consistent performances across multiple competitions
Rice emphasised the team's mentality before the Chelsea match: "We said to the boys before the game, 'We're one game from Wembley, how much do you want it?' We haven't been there for many years, today wasn't just about playing nice football, sometimes it comes down to heart, desire and how much you want to win games of football in semi-finals."
Looking Ahead to Wembley and Beyond
Arsenal now face a crucial period as they compete on four fronts: the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. Their 3-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge two weeks prior proved crucial in securing their Carabao Cup final spot, where they will face either Manchester City or Newcastle United.
The Emirates Stadium was filled with jubilation as Arsenal secured their first final appearance in six years. Rice reflected on the achievement: "Everything we have been building towards over the last few years is beginning to come together this season. Into our first final for a very long time so need to enjoy the moment."
Despite his interview slip-up, Rice's focus remains on maintaining Arsenal's momentum across all competitions while carefully navigating questions about their title credentials.
