Declan Rice’s defiant three-word message in response to Arsenal’s faltering title bid | OneFootball

Declan Rice had a defiant response to Arsenal’s major setback in the Premier League title race after defeat to Man City.

Arsenal fell 2-1 to Man City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with Pep Guardiola’s side trimming the deficit to just three points, while also holding a game in hand.

And at full-time after succumbing to City in the crunch contest, Rice could be seen issuing a rallying cry to his teammates.

Rice could be seen shouting at those nearby, including Martin Odegaard: “It’s not done.”

After desperately trying to fix minds and raise hopes that Arsenal can still win the title, the Gunners not only still hold a three-point advantage, but due to Man City’s involvement in the FA Cup semi-finals, even with a City win at Burnley on Wednesday, Arsenal can extend their lead to six points once again.

That’s because Arteta’s side play twice before City’s next league fixture following their midweek trip to Turf Moor.

Either side of the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid, Arsenal host Newcastle on 25 April and then Fulham visit the Emirates Stadium on 2 May.

While City must wait until 4 May for a trip to Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Arteta remained upbeat despite the blow to his hopes of glory, highlighting the manner of the defeat after going close on a number of occasions and hitting the woodwork.

"I am very disappointed not to get a result in the game and in the manner that it happened, but not the performance,” Arteta said.

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice react after going behind against Man City (Reuters)

“ The players felt we lost an opportunity but we have the advantage in the league in the next five game, so let's go.

“A bit of both,” Arteta added when quizzed on how a number of missed chances affected his views on the game. “Because we created big situations against a team that concedes very little, and we've gone into it the right way.

“But at the end, to win or not win is about moments, and when they had moments, they put them in the back of the net and that was the difference.”