Midfielder’s remarks after Champions League exit leave supporters stunned and divided.
Arsenal fans were left completely stunned following Declan Rice’s comments after their Champions League elimination at the hands of PSG on May 7. Despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg (3-1 on aggregate), it wasn’t just the result that stirred controversy — it was what Rice said afterward.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Rice defended the team’s effort:
> “We’ve managed this season without five or six of our top players, so achieving what we have is incredible… Everyone believed. On another night, we could’ve had two or three goals.”
While meant as encouragement, many fans perceived his remarks as an attempt to sugarcoat failure. Social media lit up with backlash:
“This is just crazy. They’re spinning a story that doesn’t reflect the truth at all.”
“Only Gabriel and Havertz were missing — stop with the excuses.”
“This mentality is why they crumble under pressure.”
Arsenal’s defeat was sealed by goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, with Saka’s late strike offering little consolation. Despite a penalty save by David Raya, the Gunners never looked like turning the tie around.
Arteta praised the effort but lamented the decisive moments:
> “We were very close… it came down to the penalty boxes, and they had the edge.”
But Rice’s words, intended to show resilience, have instead ignited a narrative of accountability avoidance — a mentality fans fear could derail the club’s trajectory under Arteta.
With three Premier League games left, Arsenal must now regroup. But one thing is clear: the supporters demand fewer justifications and more results — and even key figures like Rice are no longer immune to criticism.
