Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was left red-faced after accidentally claiming the Premier League title was won during his post-match CBS Sports interview
Declan Rice side-stepped a question regarding the Premier League title race after a post-match interview error.
Declan Rice side-stepped a question regarding the Premier League title race after a post-match interview error.(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal star Declan Rice was left red-faced after nearly declaring the Premier League title race over prematurely. The England international was analysing their victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final when he was forced to backtrack on a verbal slip-up.
Kai Havertz's strike sealed the Gunners' spot in next month's Wembley final, where they'll face either Manchester City or Newcastle United. Arsenal have been leading the title charge since Liverpool's early-season implosion handed them the initiative, ultimately wrecking Arne Slot's championship defence.
The Gunners have kept their rivals at arm's length thus far, though their stumble against Manchester United gave City and Aston Villa a chance to close the distance and pile on the pressure.
Yet their challengers have faltered in applying that squeeze, with Villa falling to Brentford whilst Arsenal's North London neighbours Tottenham Hotspur mounted a remarkable comeback from two goals behind to snatch a draw against Pep Guardiola's outfit on Sunday.
This allowed Arsenal to establish a comfortable six-point advantage at the summit, as focus now switches between the League Cup, Champions League and FA Cup competitions.
However, Rice's gaffe nearly saw him proclaim the Premier League trophy was returning to the red side of North London as early as the start of February.
"We said to the boys before the game, 'We're one game from Wembley, how much do you want it?' We haven't been there for many years, today wasn't just about playing nice football, sometimes it comes down to heart, desire and how much you want to win games of football in semi-finals.
"In the end, we got through the game and won 1-0, I don't think Chelsea created much even though they played well but in the end over the two ties we deserved it. We're into a final now which we have to enjoy."
Arsenal are six points clear in the Premier League and competing on all four fronts.
Arsenal are six points clear in the Premier League and competing on all four fronts.(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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The Emirates Stadium was jubilant as they secured their first final in six years.
Their initial leg advantage proved crucial following their 3-2 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge two weeks prior. Ex-Chelsea forward Kai Havertz was instrumental in confirming their spot in the March final.
An evidently drained Rice praised his team after overcoming Liam Rosenior's side amidst a gruelling fixture schedule.
He said: "Shattered. Honestly, the schedule has been ridicuous and when you're playing a team like Chelsea who have that many good players, they're constantly making you think, making you work, credit to them.
"It could have gone either way tonight or the first-leg but everything we have been building towards over the last few years is beginning to come together this season. Into our first final for a very long time so need to enjoy the moment."