Paul Scholes accuses Arsenal star of being ‘too emotional’ after derby win over Tottenham | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Arsenal secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, solidifying their Premier League title ambitions. Declan Rice faced criticism for a costly error leading to Spurs’ equaliser, but Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres shone with two goals each. Following Manchester City’s win over Newcastle, Arsenal maintained a five-point lead atop the table.
Arsenal star Declan Rice is ‘too emotional’ on the pitch, says Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes has commented that Declan Rice exhibits a tendency to be ‘too emotional’ during matches, suggesting that Arsenal may require more ‘calmness’ from their senior players as they chase the Premier League title. This statement follows Arsenal’s convincing 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
The win allowed Arsenal to maintain a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League, following Manchester City’s earlier 2-1 defeat of Newcastle United. Despite the emphatic scoreline, the match was not without its tensions, as Randal Kolo Muani equalised soon after Eberechi Eze’s opening goal, capitalising on a mistake by Rice near Arsenal’s penalty area.
Mistake leads to Spurs equaliser
Rice admitted fault for the equalising goal, apologising to his teammates for losing possession. Fortunately for Arsenal, Eze and Viktor Gyokeres struck in the second half to secure the victory. Scholes, discussing the performance on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, stated that Arsenal’s display significantly challenged their rivals.
Nicky Butt echoed Scholes’s sentiments, expressing concerns that the Gunners lack traditional ‘leaders’ within the squad. He suggested, “I would put a Roy Keane in there because I think they need a leader,” further noting that while Rice has leadership potential, someone must instil calmness in the team.
Calls for calmness amidst emotional intensity
Scholes remarked that when aiming for a league title, “there has to be a calmness about you.” He acknowledged the necessity of emotion but stated it should be channelled appropriately. Scholes cautioned against excessive emotion, especially in critical game situations, implying that Rice’s enthusiasm contributed to his error.
Despite agreeing with Scholes, Butt highlighted Rice’s value, stating he would want the midfielder at Manchester United, acknowledging his leadership capabilities.
Butt expressed concern that Rice did not face criticism from teammates immediately after his mistake, a point illustrating a perceived deficiency in on-pitch leadership. He lamented the lack of vocal accountability, reminiscent of past players who held teammates to high standards.
Arsenal will aim to build on their recent success when they host Chelsea this weekend, while Chelsea are seeking redemption after a 1-1 draw with Burnley at Stamford Bridge.