Arsenal have booked their spot in the first cup final of the season, beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semis.
Arsenal left it late to excite their fans, playing out a dreary 90 minutes before Kai Havertz made the Emirates erupt in stoppage time.
Having won the first leg at Stamford Bridge, the Gunners only needed to draw, which was reflected in their performance.
Several Arsenal players underperformed against Chelsea, one of whom was Declan Rice, who had a rare underwhelming night in N5.
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Arsenal fans were shocked by Declan Rice’s performance against Chelsea
Rice is one of the best midfielders in the world, but against Chelsea, the 27-year-old looked far from his usual level.
The Englishman wasn’t able to thrive going forward as he usually does, which is something Arsenal fans picked up on when reacting to the match on social media.
“Is Declan Rice in this match at all??” one X user asked.
Another went as far as to call the £105m signing a ‘League One level’ player when he is restricted to playing a more defensive role in midfield.
“Any 11 with rice as the deep midfield will not work. Hes league 1 level when playing there.”
Tell us who Arsenal’s most disappointing performer was against Chelsea 🧐
Arsenal fans were clearly shocked by Rice’s performance against the Blues, but he wasn’t the only one to come under fire.
“Rice-Zubi both has been abysmal,” one Arsenal fan posted.
Others vented their frustration about Rice and Martin Zubimendi’s pivot in midfield, which looked sluggish.
“Rice and Zubi this has been pathetic,” a fan wrote, as another agreed, “Tell Rice and Zubi to pass forward.”
‘Mid’ and simply ‘so bad’ were other ways that Rice’s display was described on social media, but the Arsenal star’s night ended jubilantly.
Declan Rice’s assist saved his performance
The frustration from Arsenal fans was justified, as Rice only won one of the five duels he contested against Chelsea.
That being said, when the Gunners needed him most, he was there to produce, setting up Havertz’s match-winning goal in the 97th minute.
It was typical of Rice to ensure that a poor performance didn’t end with a negative headline, allowing the Arsenal fans to head home having celebrated a goal.
A cup final awaits the Englishman, who will be desperate to win major silverware in red and white.
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