FOOTBALL
Posted on February 25, 2026 10:30 pm | Updated on February 25, 2026 7:32 pm
Arsenal are riding high after a big 4-1 win in Premier league at Tottenham in the North London derby. The goals from Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres helped them bounce back strongly. But two stories are making headlines. One is about captain Declan Rice and one about the big trouble for their title rivals Manchester City.
Rice Urges Team to Focus – Then Makes Mistake
In the match at Tottenham, Arsenal took the lead. Straight away, Declan Rice was seen clapping and shouting to his team-mates: “Keep focused! Stay calm!” He wanted everyone to stay sharp and not to get carried away.
But just two minutes later, Rice gave the ball away in a dangerous spot near his own goal. Tottenham equalised quickly through Randal Kolo Muani. Rice put his hands up, said sorry to everyone and carried on playing well for the rest of the game. Arsenal went on to win easily 4-1 and now sit five points clear at the top of the Premier League. Manchester City are second but have one game in hand.
Paul Scholes Calls Rice “Too Emotional”
Scholes said Rice looked “overly-emotional”. He explained: “When Roy Keane was leading the team, there was a calmness about it. When I look at Declan Rice, he almost looks too emotional. He’s lively, shouting ‘Come on! Come on! Come on!’ And then he makes his mistake.”
Scholes added that for a team chasing the title, leaders need calm heads in big moments. He said he does not like players “geeing up the crowd” right before something goes wrong. But he did say Rice could be a good captain one day. He just needs to find the right balance between passion and calmness. Many Arsenal fans disagree and say Rice’s fire is exactly what the team needs.
📸 – DECLAN RICE TELLS HIS TEAM THEY NEED TO KEEP THINKING CLEARLY, BUT HE WAS THE ONE WHO MADE THE MASSIVE MISTAKE THAT ALLOWED TOTTENHAM TO MAKE IT 1-1.
MAYBE HE SHOULD SAY IT TO HIMSELF. pic.twitter.com/sQVpAFLGw0
— Footy Rush (@FootyRush_) February 22, 2026
Rice Shows He Can Bounce Back
Even after the mistake, Rice played a solid game and helped Arsenal dominate the second half. Manager Mikel Arteta knows his midfielder is one of the best in the world and has defended him before. Rice is known for his hard work, leadership and never giving up. This small moment will not change that. Arsenal face Chelsea next at home. This will be another big London derby where Rice will be key in midfield.
Man City Facing Possible 40-60 Point Deduction
While Arsenal celebrate, huge news is coming out about Manchester City. The club is still waiting for the result of their 115 financial breach charges from between 2009 and 2018. The long hearing finished in December 2024, but the independent commission has not given its decision yet – more than 14 months later.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire says if City are found guilty of the most serious charges, they could lose 40 to 60 points. He explained on The Overlap Fan Debate: “You have to add a zero to what we saw with Everton and Nottingham Forest.” Those clubs got 4-6 point deductions for smaller rules breaks over three years. City’s case covers nine years and lots of more money, so the punishment could be much bigger.
🚨🚨| NEW: Manchester City could face a penalty of 40-60 points deduction which would immediately relegate them from the Premier League if they are found guilty of the 115 FFP charges. 🤯❌
[@goal] pic.twitter.com/8LSgBkmVsI
— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) February 25, 2026
How This Affects Arsenal’s Title Dream
Arsenal are in a tight title race. They dropped points recently against Brentford and Wolves, but the Spurs win has given them breathing space. If City really do get a big points deduction, it could hand Arsenal the Premier League crown without a fight.
The Gunners are focusing on what they can control. With Rice leading from midfield and stars like Gyökeres scoring, they look ready for the final push. Whether City get a massive shock with deduction or not, Arsenal are in the driving seat in Premier league.
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