Arsenal’s resounding 4-1 victory over Tottenham barely registered with Manchester United icon Paul Scholes, who instead focused on a potentially critical flaw in Declan Rice’s character.
Scholes believes a visible lack of composure under pressure could ultimately derail Arsenal’s Premier League title bid, despite Rice’s undeniable talent and impact.
The scrutiny centers on a sequence of events during the North London derby, moments before a costly error allowed Tottenham to equalize. Rice, brimming with energy, emphatically urged his teammates to maintain focus.
Ironically, less than two minutes later, Rice lost possession to Randal Kolo Muani, who swiftly punished the mistake with a goal, leveling the score at 1-1.
Scholes openly criticized Rice’s demonstrative approach, stating he dislikes the excessive “geeing up” and perceives an underlying emotional volatility in the midfielder’s game.
“When I look at Declan Rice, he almost looks too emotional,” Scholes observed. “He’s lively, constantly urging everyone on, and then he makes his mistake. When chasing a league title, calmness is paramount.”
He contrasted Rice’s style with that of his former Manchester United captain, Roy Keane, highlighting Keane’s ability to lead with a quiet authority and unwavering composure, even in the most intense moments.
Scholes acknowledged potential backlash, but insisted that effective game management demands a level of serenity, especially when the stakes are highest.
Rice’s error, though uncharacteristic – likened to Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip – proved inconsequential thanks to Arsenal’s dominant second-half performance and a decisive 4-1 win.
Since his significant £105 million transfer from West Ham, Rice has been a transformative figure for Mikel Arteta’s side, immediately solidifying the midfield and earning last season’s Player of the Season award.
This season, Rice has already contributed eight goals or assists, demonstrating his growing influence on Arsenal’s attack. The victory over Tottenham extended Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to five points.
Arteta swiftly defended Rice after the match, praising his resilience and acknowledging his overall contribution throughout the season. However, the looming presence of Manchester City in the title race demands unwavering composure from Rice and the entire squad.
The pressure will only intensify as the season progresses, and Scholes’ observation serves as a stark reminder that even the most talented players must maintain a cool head to achieve ultimate success.
