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Posted on March 26, 2026 4:00 pm | Updated on March 26, 2026 2:26 pm
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Declan Rice transfer problem has come to light and Bukayo Saka seems lacking confidence at the moment. The talks around Arsenal have changed quickly after their Carabao Cup loss. What looked like a settled midfield now feels uncertain.
Declan Rice under fire after Carabao Cup loss
Arsenal were second best in key moments in the Carabao Cup final loss against Manchester City. That is especially in midfield control and that has brought Declan Rice into focus. He was signed to be the engine and the shield of the middle of the park. Now, some believe he looks unsure of his role at the moment.
As per reports, former players and pundits are suggesting Arsenal risk overdoing things. They believe Rice thrives when given clarity of his position. Instead, he is being asked to cover too many roles at the same time. Given that, this can make even top players look off their game.
In addition, the transfer rumours are only adding to the fuel. Links to Sandro Tonali have raised eyebrows because of how similar both players are in style. They both are strong on the ball, disciplined, and positionally aware.
But, bringing in similar profiles can disrupt the midfield rather than help it. The Gunners have already spent big on the English midfielder. With that, the expectation is consistency and dominance from him.
The north London side still lead the Premier League comfortably and remain in Europe. But, in football, big games likely expose small cracks in a team. Now, doubts are rising whether Arteta makes his role simple or keeps making changes at a risky stage of the campaign.
Attacking struggles as Bukayo Saka looks out of touch
When the front line misfires, the midfield often looks worse than it is. Bukayo Saka has seen a sharp dip in form. That has changed how teams approach the Gunners.
Opponents are doubling up on Saka and cutting his passing lines. They are forcing Arsenal to play predictable football. Against City, this was clearly visible as the ball rarely reached dangerous areas. And when it did, it lacked speed and intent. Rice ended up regaining possession instead of driving play forward.
This is where criticism has grown louder in the recent weeks. Some pundits are pointing out that the north London side are not building attacks well enough. When wingers are quiet and chances don’t come, midfielders like Rice look like the issue.
The PL side have pushed hard across competitions this season. The intensity of their style demands sharp movement. When that drops even slightly, everything slows down. Rice is known for his energy but he looked like he was chasing the game instead of controlling it.
Mikel Arteta’s side needs better links between midfield and attack. Rice does not need to be everywhere on the field. He needs teammates giving him clear passing options and movement ahead of him.
Arteta faces big calls before crucial games
Now comes the real test for the head coach. The schedule does not ease up even though a strong league position gives some breathing room. But, the pressure builds quickly if performances dip. The FA Cup tie against Southampton and a European clash with Sporting CP will be huge games.
Arteta must decide how to reset the midfield. Recent reports suggest Arsenal are still monitoring midfield targets, but that feels like a summer business. Now, the current squad must solve current problems. Also, losing a final will surely hurt any team.
However, the Gunners have shown resilience before and now expectations are higher. That said, fans expect trophies and not just progress.
If Arteta gets his team combination right, the title push stays alive and strong. If not, this small issue could grow into something much bigger at the worst possible time.
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Abhijeet Nalawade
Abhijeet Nalawade is a Senior Football Writer at Six Sports, providing in-depth coverage and expert analysis of football matches, player performances, and tactical developments. With extensive experience in football journalism, he specializes in delivering detailed insights and feature articles that keep readers informed and engaged. Through his work at Six Sports, Abhijeet produces comprehensive football content, including match breakdowns, tactical evaluations, and analytical features. His writing combines clarity with expertise, making him a trusted voice for football enthusiasts seeking high-quality coverage of the sport.
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