Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has expressed concerns about Arsenal’s Declan Rice being “too emotional” on the pitch, suggesting that the team may need more composure from its senior players as they aim for the Premier League title. Following a resounding 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby, where Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres both netted twice, Arsenal currently holds a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.
Despite the dominant scoreline, the match had its tense moments, particularly when Randal Kolo Muani equalized shortly after Eze’s opener, taking advantage of a mistake by Rice, who lost possession while attempting to clear the ball from Arsenal’s penalty area. Rice quickly apologized to his teammates after the error, and the Gunners ultimately secured the win, showcasing their offensive capabilities in the second half.
In a discussion about Arsenal’s performance on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes and his co-host Nicky Butt noted the significance of the victory against their rivals. However, Butt highlighted a perceived absence of traditional “leaders” within the squad, citing former players like Roy Keane and Martin Keown as ideal figures who could inspire and motivate the team during crucial moments in matches.
Scholes echoed Butt’s sentiments, indicating that while Rice possesses leadership potential, his emotional demeanor might be counterproductive in high-pressure situations. He pointed out that historical leaders brought a sense of calm that is essential, especially in a title race. Scholes argued for a balance of emotion in the game, emphasizing that while passion is important, it should be channeled constructively to optimize performance.
While acknowledging Scholes’s observations, Butt reaffirmed his admiration for Rice, labeling him a top leader and expressing his desire to see him at Manchester United, reinforcing that Rice’s emotional investment in the game often drives his commitment to winning.
Concerns were raised by Butt regarding the lack of immediate accountability among the players after Rice’s mistake, contrasting the current squad with past Arsenal teams renowned for their vocal leadership.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Chelsea in their next Premier League encounter, aiming to build on their impressive form. As teams navigate the intense competition towards the season’s end, the emphasis on leadership within the squad will be pivotal for Arsenal’s aspirations to secure the league title.