Declan Rice reveals why he was 'fuming' with himself at half-time

Declan Rice revealed that he was frustrated with his performance at half-time in Arsenal's victory over Bournemouth.

The Gunners dominated proceedings throughout the first 45 minutes at the Emirates, registering several significant chances but repeatedly failing to take the lead.

With the game set to be goalless heading into the interval, the hosts won a penalty after VAR ruled Cherries goalkeeper Mark Travers had brought down an onrushing Kai Havertz.

Bukayo Saka then maintained his excellent record from the spot this season to hand his side the lead.

However, despite having secured an advantage, Declan Rice revealed post-match that he was 'fuming' with himself for failing to convert a chance of his own.

'I think you see in the first-half, it was domination. We could have been four or five up, if I'm being honest with you,' Rice told TNT Sports.

'I missed the sitter, and I was fuming, to be honest. I couldn't let it go, and I knew there was an opportunity for me today to score.'

Bournemouth returned from the break with a newfound attacking initiative, but Mikel Arteta's side remained in control and Rice picked out Leandro Trossard who duly doubled their advantage on 70 minutes.

Andoni Iraola's side controversially had a goal ruled out following a second contentious VAR review that judged Dominic Solanke had fouled David Raya but the hosts did not falter and Rice completed the win with a goal in stoppage time.

'Even for my goal, I was back in my own half and I just sensed it, Bournemouth players around there, just kept going and going. Goal, assist and three points is what we needed. I'm delighted, it was a big result.

'They're a top team they've been in good form. We knew today it was business and we had to handle it. You look back at the Villa game the other week and we had four or five chances then second-half was a bit cagey.'

Asked whether his side were feeling the pressure as the final day draws closer, Rice insisted he and his teammates are solely focused on the task at hand.

'Obviously, I wasn't here last year, but I think this year, I can sense that we're just embracing it. You know like you said, Man City are a machine they they win most of their games, but we can only focus on us.

'And we have been doing that in recent weeks. We've had an unbelievable 2024 I think the record that we've had is just out of this world. So anything can happen in football, surprises happen, miracles happen. Obviously two games to go. We just got to stay focused.'