Ian Wright stunned by what he noticed about Declan Rice in Arsenal loss

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Ian Wright has claimed that one Arsenal player looked as weary as he had ever seen him on Sunday as the Gunners suffered a shock loss against Aston Villa.

Mikel Arteta’s men appear to have it all to do in the Premier League title race. It is no longer in their hands as the Villans left the Emirates with a 2-0 victory on Sunday.

Arsenal started well. And they had the chances to go in front during the first-half. But it was alarming how dramatically the momentum shifted after the break.

Villa dominated in the second-half. And no-one could argue that the Villans did not deserve their victory.

Arsenal will be wary of getting too carried away with the loss. They have been outstanding all season. And many will be expecting Arsenal to still win all of their remaining league games.

Ian Wright couldn’t believe how weary Arsenal player looked against Aston Villa

But it will worry some that some of those who have been so impressive this season were nowhere near their best in such an important game.

Declan Rice has been sensational throughout the campaign. He appeared to be one of the final pieces in the jigsaw following his arrival in the summer.

However, speaking on Wrighty’s House, Ian Wright suggested that the 25-year-old midfielder’s tank appeared to be empty towards the end of the game.

“They came out and they really started to play. And we looked dishevelled, very unorganised. It’s the game where I thought Declan Rice looked as weary as I’ve ever seen him. Obviously, Ben White’s had to come off,” he said.

What some may now forget about Declan Rice this season

It is easy to forget that Rice is new to this level. He has adapted so brilliantly to being at the Emirates. But this time last year, he was part of the West Ham side which was much further down the table.

Of course, the Hammers had some amazing moments last season. However, every single game is now vital for Arsenal. They played Bayern Munich before Villa, who sit fourth in the league. And they now have the second-leg with Bayern.

So perhaps it should not be entirely surprising that he looked to have less in the tank at the weekend.

Rice has produced so many important performances this season. If Arsenal do go on and win the title, many will look back on the goals against Manchester United, Chelsea and Luton as key moments in the first-half of the campaign.

Mikel Arteta now needs to decide if he can afford to rest his record signing at a time when Arsenal surely have to be absolutely flawless.