Declan Rice Criticizes Arsenal’s Naive Performance in Manchester United Draw

Declan Rice Arsenal naive performance critique follows 1–1 draw at Old Trafford. Midfielder says Gunners nearly handed United the win.

Declan Rice slammed Arsenal late-game decision-making after their 1–1 draw with Manchester United, calling the team’s final minutes performance as “naive” and warning that they nearly threw the match away.

Declan Rice delivered a strong performance and scored Arsenal’s equalizer in their 1–1 draw against Manchester United. But after the match, the midfielder didn’t hold back in his assessment of the team’s display. Speaking to Sky Sports, Rice described Arsenal’s final 10 minutes as “naive” and admitted they were lucky to avoid defeat.

“In the first half, we played some beautiful football but lacked a clinical edge,” Rice said. “In the second half, we made mistakes we haven’t made all season. We were very naive in the last 10 minutes and could have handed the game to United.”

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Fade Further

The draw leaves Arsenal 15 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool with just 10 games remaining. Rice’s comments reflect growing frustration within the squad, as missed chances and defensive lapses continue to derail their title challenge.

Rice highlighted specific errors that nearly cost Arsenal the match. “We lost runners, flicked balls unnecessarily, and tried to play out from the back using patterns we never use,” he explained. “We played right into their press.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – MARCH 09: Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Mikel Merino during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on March 09, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Rice also pointed to a late chance for Bruno Fernandes that forced David Raya into two crucial saves. “That’s why I’m talking about naivety,” Rice said. “It could easily have gone in their favour.”

Despite the criticism, Rice acknowledged that Manchester United didn’t create many chances outside of that final stretch. “It was down to us,” he added. “We could have thrown the game away.”

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