Declan Rice didn’t have his finest outing when Arsenal beat Wolves, but in his defence, neither did his teammates.
Arsenal lacked so much against Wolves, from attacking flair to defensive stability.
It wasn’t the game anyone expected between the teams at opposite ends of the Premier League table.
Mikel Arteta wasn’t happy with the performance against Wolves, nor was Rice, who made his thoughts clear in the celebrations of Arsenal’s injury-time winner.
Imagine you are Mikel Arteta. What would your message to Arsenal players be after that performance vs Wolves?
Declan Rice’s reaction to Arsenal’s winner against Wolves had fans talking
In any other circumstance, a 94th-minute winner to send Arsenal five points clear at the top of the table would be celebrated exuberantly.
The scenes on matchday 16 were the complete opposite, as the Gunners required two Wolves own goals to get the win.
TNT Sports shared a TikTok focusing on Arsenal’s celebrations, and when watching them unfold, it was impossible not to focus on what Rice did.
While other players cheered and smiled, the midfielder was furious, barking orders at his teammates, pointing to his head and changing the mood in the huddle.
Change my mind: Declan Rice should be Arsenal captain from the 2026/27 season.
Rice’s leadership qualities shone through as he clearly wanted more from those around him, possibly still furious at the goal that was conceded four minutes prior.
In the comments of the TikTok clip, Arsenal fans absolutely loved Rice’s reaction, with plenty calling for him to wear the armband.
- “Give Declan the armband. He is the leader.”
- “Rice is fuming and rightfully so, performance was abysmal.”
- “More proof that Declan Rice should be our Captain.”
- “See Declan Rice leader.”
- “Rice needs to be our captain.”
Rice is part of Arsenal’s leadership group, but some clearly want him to take on the higher role of captaincy.
Maybe Tony Adams was right about Declan Rice
The topic of Rice being a candidate to become Arsenal captain has been spoken about this season.
Tony Adams called for Arteta to give Rice captaincy instead of Martin Odegaard, a suggestion that the Arsenal squad disagreed with.
After what unfolded against Wolves, it’s clear that many agree with Adams’ opinion that, perhaps, Rice is a more suitable captain than Odegaard.
The Englishman has all the qualities to wear the armband, even more so considering that Odegaard’s form has been questionable.
The chances of Arteta changing his captain while Odegaard is still at the club are unlikely, but surely, the manager sees the benefits of doing so.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
