Arsenal star Declan Rice issued a defiant message to team-mate Martin Odegaard after the Gunners’ title hopes suffered a huge blow in their defeat by Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s men took charge of the race for the Premier League crown as their 2-1 win in a dramatic clash at the Etihad cut the gap to three points.
City will leapfrog Mikel Arteta’s side and seize top spot for the first time since August if they beat Burnley on Wednesday.
But Rice stressed to Odegaard on the pitch after full-time that ‘it’s not done’, in a moment caught by the Sky Sports cameras.
Captain Odegaard said the Gunners were ‘disappointed’ but refused to be drawn on the impact of the result.
‘There’s always that pressure in football, always noise,’ Odegaard told Sky Sports.
Declan Rice issued a defiant message to team-mate Martin Odegaard after Arsenal’s defeat
Erling Haaland’s winner gave Man City a 2-1 victory as they seized control of the title race
‘That’s a part of being a football player at this level. We are going to keep going, focus on ourselves like we’ve done all season. We look forward to the next game and move on. That’s all we’re doing to do.’
Arsenal remain three points clear of City despite Sunday’s loss but have played a game more than their title rivals.
City go to Burnley on Wednesday and will go ahead of the Gunners on goal difference with victory by two goals or more.
Arteta’s side will then play twice before City – at home to Newcastle and Fulham – return to Premier League action.
