Pundit reckons Arteta could cost Arsenal the title this season

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·14 September 2025

Pundit reckons Arteta could cost Arsenal the title this season

Pundit Richard Keys has offered his reaction to Mikel Arteta’s choice to leave Declan Rice on the bench for Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest. The decision surprised many supporters when the line-up was announced, given Rice’s impressive performances for England during the international break.

Rice, who joined Arsenal from West Ham for a record fee, is widely regarded as one of the standout players in the squad. His consistency for both club and country has made him a central figure, with fans naturally expecting him to feature in every match. Despite this, Arteta opted to start with Mikel Merino, who had impressed on international duty with Spain, instead of the England midfielder.

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Keys Questions Arteta’s Decision

Arsenal went on to win the game comfortably, with Rice introduced shortly after the hour mark to help secure the result. Yet Richard Keys questioned the reasoning behind resting the midfielder. Speaking to Give Me Sport, he remarked, “For me, the one thing that will cost Arsenal the title this year is Mikel Arteta. Got it wrong at Liverpool, badly wrong. Got it wrong today for me.

“How many games has Declan Rice played? Rested.

“Surely you put everything you’ve got into this early part of the season and say, ‘Go and get me a league, go and make a statement’.”

Keys’ comments reflect a view that Arteta’s rotation may be too cautious, particularly at the start of the season when establishing momentum is crucial. His assessment suggests that holding back a player of Rice’s calibre could hinder Arsenal in their pursuit of the Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta, (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Balancing Rotation and Performance

While the critique raises a fair question, the reasoning behind Arteta’s decision may rest on longer-term planning. The season ahead will demand high intensity across domestic and European competitions, and ensuring key players remain fit will be critical. Rice’s workload has been substantial at both club and international level, making a degree of rotation inevitable.

Arsenal’s victory over Nottingham Forest without relying on Rice from the outset demonstrates the squad’s depth and ability to adapt. Although some, like Keys, interpret the decision as unnecessary risk, others may view it as a sign of careful squad management. With Rice expected to play a leading role across the campaign, occasional rest may prove beneficial in keeping him at peak performance when it matters most.

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