The English midfielder appeared evidently tired during the second half of the meeting, raising questions about its physical load and its importance in the London team’s game.
The Arsenal triumphed by 2-1 on a trip to Slavia Prague at Wednesday night’s match. Nonnie Madueke and Victor Gyökeres scored in the first half, giving Arteta’s team two-go goals ahead.
However, the Londoners failed to maintain the same pace after the break, while locals scored their only goal in the 90th minute through Wictor Nowak.
Rice stayed in the field for all 90 minutes, despite signs of fatigue she displayed in the second half.
Asked about the decision to keep the midfielder in play until the end, Arteta defended his choice, stressing that the footballer had had enough time for recovery.
The event required that, and he faced it. He had even stopped at the Fleetwood match, so he had a very good week to get back before Liverpool, Arteta said.
This was just his second meeting in a week, not his fifth. We expect our football players to be able to handle this burden and I think he had some very good moments during the match, Arteta said.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal football player Karen Carney has expressed concern over the team’s heavy dependence on the Republic physical form.
For me, Dean Rice is the best midfielder in the country. When he gets tired and his energy is exhausted, Arsenal becomes another team. The second part seemed completely exhausted, and that is when the team loses control and direction. This is something that bothers me because he’s an extraordinary footballer, but when he’s out of power, Arsenal seems to be breaking up, Carney said.
Currently, Arteta must carefully manage the physical load of footballers, as Arsenal is expected by important challenges to continue the season.
The London team returns to the field on Saturday when facing Hull City within Premierliga. It remains to be seen whether Rice will be fired or will again be one of the team members.
Source Layer: RTKLive