Arsenal were far from their best early on in their Premier League clash with champions Liverpool at Anfield.
The Gunners, fresh from their exit to PSG in the Champions League, went into the game in a difficult run of form.
Mikel Arteta’s side got off to a nightmare start against Liverpool, as Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz scored within 90 seconds of each other part of the way into the first half.
Chances rained down for the Reds, with Arsenal subjected to wave after wave of attack from the home side.
For supporters, they put that down to one star being out of action during the afternoon of action.
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Arsenal fans worried about Declan Rice injury blow after Liverpool absence
There have been some key absences for Arsenal throughout the season, but Declan Rice has been one of the ever-present forces in the team.
The England international has driven the Gunners forward in all phases, offering plenty in the defensive and transition moments, while his improvement in end product in attack has only added another string to his bow.
Sometimes, his ability can go under the radar, but with Declan Rice’s injury ensuring he couldn’t face Liverpool, his absence was sorely felt.
Taking to social media, fans pointed out how simple it was for Liverpool to cause problems without the midfielder.
“Declan Rice have done massive this season. Look what we’ve done without him,” one fan said on X.
Another added: “Life without Declan Rice is crazy this guy has kept us in the top 4 by himself half the season.”
“Declan Rice must be installed captain next season,” one fan claimed in the middle of the match, given the frustration.
“You’ve got Arsenal fans that will be questioning what Declan Rice does. Our midfield is parting like the Red Sea every two seconds loooooool.”
Concerns over the midfield continued as one fan said: “Declan Rice has been carrying Partey, Merino & Odegaard all season. They can’t move.”
Another added: “This team gets completely cut open in transition with Partey and no Declan Rice.”
It shows just how important Rice has been this season, along with how difficult Arsenal find it when he is out.
With Martin Zubimendi expected to join Arsenal this summer, it remains to be seen how much of an impact he can have, but they will want it to be at the level of Rice.
What Declan Rice has said about Arsenal’s trophy challenge
As Rice and Arsenal now face another trophyless season, with Liverpool crowned champions and an exit in the Champions League confirmed, the rebuild this summer will be important.
The midfielder himself has discussed the problems his side have struggled with this season, with the next campaign set to be a huge one.
Speaking to Sky Sports on going close, but just missing out in the big moments to win trophies, Rice said: “Every top player that has won trophies has lost along the way, and they’ve never stopped believing. It doesn’t define us now. We’ve got a whole career ahead of us.”
With his presence missed, Rice will be important for the remainder of the season, with it currently unclear how bad his injury is.
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