One man against the world - and the world won
Let me tell you something, right. I've watched a LOT of football in my time. Seen players coast through games, picking up their wages while barely breaking a sweat. But what Declan Rice did at Villa Park today? THAT is what you call earning your money.
The lad was absolutely MAGNIFICENT. Running, tackling, covering, creating - he did the lot. And yet, Arsenal STILL lost 2-1 to Aston Villa thanks to that snake Emi Buendia popping up in the 95th minute.
Football can be cruel, folks. But this? This was absolutely SAVAGE.
Rice covered every blade of grass - literally
You want to know what a 7.7 out of 10 performance looks like? Watch the tape of Declan Rice today. The man was EVERYWHERE.
First half, Matty Cash is lining up a shot that could've made it 2-0. Who's there to throw his body on the line? RICE. The block was massive. Absolutely massive.
Then, early in the second half, Arsenal needed a spark. They're 1-0 down, Arteta's pulling his hair out on the touchline, and the away end is going quiet. What happens? Rice spots Amadou Onana dozing on the ball, POUNCES on him like a lion on a gazelle, wins possession back, and suddenly Arsenal are on the attack.
Moments later, Bukayo Saka whips in a cross, Leandro Trossard bundles it home, and it's 1-1. Who started that move? DECLAN RICE.
The man was operating on a different level to everyone else in red and white. Problem is, when you're dragging your teammates through the mud, eventually you run out of steam.
Saka tried, Trossard delivered - but the rest? SHOCKING
Let's be fair here. Rice wasn't completely alone in his heroics. Bukayo Saka had Villa's Ian Maatsen on TOAST for most of the afternoon. The young winger was Arsenal's main attacking threat, creating the equaliser with a delicious delivery that Trossard couldn't miss.
And speaking of Trossard - what an impact sub he was! The Belgian came on at half-time, scored within seven minutes, and reminded everyone why he's been so clutch for the Gunners this season. Six goals now in the league. Not bad for a bloke who can't even get a guaranteed start.
But then there's the OTHER side of the coin. The players who absolutely STANK the place out.
Eze and Merino - what on EARTH was that?
Eberechi Eze. Oh, Eberechi. What have you done, son?
The Crystal Palace reject - sorry, the 60 million pound signing - was brought in to add creativity and flair to Arsenal's attack. Instead, he spent 45 minutes looking like he'd rather be ANYWHERE else on the planet.
The goal Villa scored? That's on EZE. The lad switched off, let Cash ghost in behind him, and before you could say bottle job, the ball was in the back of David Raya's net. Arteta hooked him at half-time. Rightly so. Embarrassing stuff.
Mikel Merino wasn't much better. The Spaniard, who was BRILLIANT against Brentford last week, looked like he'd forgotten how to play football. Couldn't control the ball, couldn't find a pass, couldn't do ANYTHING right. He got the hook at half-time too.
Two players. Two absolute stinkers. Both dragged off after 45 minutes. That's not a tactical change - that's a manager saying you two have let me down.
Raya did his best - but even HE couldn't save them
Let's spare a thought for David Raya, shall we? The goalkeeper made save after save today. Denied Ollie Watkins TWICE with brilliant stops. Even in stoppage time, when Villa were throwing everything at Arsenal, Raya was pulling off heroics.
But then came the 95th minute. Chaos in the box. Bodies flying everywhere. Blocks, scrambles, desperate clearances. And somehow - SOMEHOW - the ball falls to Buendia, who curls it past Raya with the last kick of the game.
Raya will be gutted. He did everything he could. But when your defensive line is scrambling around like headless chickens, eventually something's gonna give.
The title race just got SPICY
So where does this leave Arsenal? Still top of the league, sure. But Villa are now just THREE points behind. Man City hammered Sunderland 3-0 today. Liverpool are lurking. Chelsea are... well, Chelsea drew 0-0 with Bournemouth, so they're still Chelsea.
The point is, Arsenal's 18-match unbeaten run is OVER. And the manner of the defeat? That's the kind of thing that haunts teams come May.
Declan Rice gave everything today. He left absolutely NOTHING on the pitch. But football isn't a one-man sport, and when players like Eze and Merino go missing in big games, this is what happens.
Arteta needs to have a serious word with his squad. Because if they keep bottling it like this, that Premier League trophy is slipping further and further away.
Rice deserves better. Arsenal's fans deserve better. Today was an ABSOLUTE shambles.
