Declan Rice has been criticized for his reaction to a late-game tackle that denied Rasmus Hojlund a clear goal-scoring chance during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United. The midfielder’s fist-pumping celebration was seen as excessive by some pundits.
Hojlund nearly put United ahead after Mikel Merino lost possession, but Rice’s last-ditch challenge stopped him. Goalkeeper David Raya applauded the effort, while Rice’s emotional reaction sparked debate among football analysts.
Despite also scoring Arsenal’s equalizer, Rice said the tackle was his personal highlight. He stressed that small margins define games and that if he had mistimed the challenge, it could have resulted in a penalty and a red card.
TalkSPORT host Adrian Durham mocked Rice’s reaction, likening it to Tyson Fury celebrating a win over Jake Paul. Former England midfielder Danny Murphy agreed, arguing that Rice was simply doing his job and shouldn’t celebrate a routine defensive action.
Murphy also criticized Arsenal’s trend of over-celebrating defensive plays, saying players should focus celebrations on goals rather than blocks and tackles. He suggested that exaggerated reactions create unnecessary hype around basic responsibilities.
The draw left Arsenal 15 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, making their title hopes slim. Meanwhile, Manchester United remain in 14th place, continuing their underwhelming season.
Rice defended his actions, insisting that defensive contributions can be just as crucial as scoring goals. He maintained that his challenge changed the game and deserved recognition for its impact.
As the campaign nears its end, Arsenal need consistency to close the gap, while United must find form to salvage their season.