Mikel Arteta has shrugged off worries regarding Declan Rice’s fitness following Arsenal’s tense 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague on Wednesday night.
Mikel Arteta responds to concerns over Declan Rice after Slavia Prague win
Arteta Dismisses Rice Fatigue Concerns After Arsenal’s Narrow Win in Prague
The manager insists the midfielder remains in peak condition despite a visibly tiring second-half display.
The Gunners seemed in control after first-half strikes from Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres handed them a commanding lead.
However, Arsenal’s performance levels dropped significantly after the break, allowing the hosts to claw one back through Wiktor Nowak in the 90th minute.
Rice, who played the full match, showed clear signs of exhaustion as the game wore on.
TNT Sports pundit Karen Carney voiced her concerns, stating that Arsenal lose their rhythm when the 27-year-old runs out of steam.
“When he’s tired and fatigued they are a different team,” Carney observed.
“In the second half he looked absolutely exhausted… when his energy goes I think they slightly fall apart a bit.”
Arteta, however, rejected the narrative that he overworked his star midfielder. He explained that the intensity of the match demanded Rice stay on the pitch.
“The game required it, and he did,” Arteta said.
“He was as well rested against Fleetwood so he had a very good week to recover before Liverpool.
It’s his second game in a week and not the fifth one.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman also weighed in, suggesting Arsenal’s struggles stem from a lack of attacking depth.
He noted that Arteta often fields multiple midfielders who then push forward, causing the team to lose shape.
Despite the criticism, Arteta focused on the result, highlighting the difficulty of securing three points in Prague after a tough match against Liverpool.
Arsenal will look to move past the performance when they face Hull City this weekend.
