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Gary Neville and Roy Keane have delivered a harsh assessment of **Declan Rice’s emotional response** following Arsenal’s recent defeat to Manchester City, with both pundits suggesting the midfielder’s viral moment showed weakness rather than strength.
Rice was caught on Sky Sports cameras declaring “it’s not done” after the match, a moment that Pep Guardiola praised for showing Arsenal’s mentality. However, the former Manchester United teammates had a very different interpretation of the England international’s defiant words.
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Keane and Neville’s brutal verdict
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Speaking on the latest episode of Stick to Football, Keane questioned whether Rice was “in control” or if his comments were driven by “emotion and hope.” When Ian Wright suggested Rice’s response would worry opponents, both Keane and Neville disagreed strongly.
“No, if I was watching Declan Rice nearly in tears, and saying it’s not done, I’d be thinking you’re done,” Neville said bluntly. “‘It’s not done, It’s not done.’ I look at him and think he’s done.”
Keane was even more direct in his criticism, particularly when discussing Rice’s performance in the crucial midfield battle against City. When Neville admitted he had expected Rice to “grip that game,” Keane interjected brutally: “And did he? Did he?”
The former Ireland captain emphasized that Rice failed to win the vital “middle of the park battle” against Bernardo Silva and Rodri, who dominated proceedings for the visitors.
Guardiola’s contrasting view
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Despite the criticism from the Sky Sports pundits, Guardiola offered a completely different perspective on Rice’s emotional outburst. The City manager praised what he saw as typical Arsenal resilience.
“I saw it and it shows what Declan Rice means. That’s the Arsenal mentality,” Guardiola told Sky Sports. “Otherwise they can’t have done the season they have done in the Premier League being there and being unbeaten in the Champions League.”
The Catalan coach added that Rice’s response exemplified the “resilience” Arsenal possess “in the bad moments,” describing it as “a good example for us what we’re going to face” in the remaining title race fixtures.
Title race implications
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City have since moved above Arsenal in the table following their 1-0 victory over Burnley, though Mikel Arteta’s side can reclaim top spot when they host Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium this weekend.
The contrasting interpretations of Rice’s emotional response highlight the fine margins in the title race, with every gesture and comment now being scrutinized for signs of strength or vulnerability as the season reaches its climax.