‘My bad’ – Declan Rice forced to apologise for slip-up as Troy Deeney interrupts interview

Declan Rice was left red-faced after a blunder saw him accidentally suggest that Arsenal have wrapped up the Premier League title.

The Gunners booked their spot in the Carabao Cup final with a 1-0 semi-final second leg win over Chelsea at the Emirates, sealing a 4-2 aggregate victory.

Getty

In a tense clash, Kai Havertz‘s stoppage-time goal put the tie beyond any doubt for Mikel Arteta‘s side, who kept up their quadruple bid.

Arsenal are still fighting on all four fronts, as they target glory in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

But with the north Londoners last tasting league success in 2004, and having come second-best in the last three seasons, this is undoubtedly their top priority.

The Gunners were handed a huge boost in this regard at the weekend, as both of their title rivals dropped points.

After opening up a seven-point lead at the league summit with a 4-0 win over Leeds on Saturday, Aston Villa then lost 1-0 to Brentford, before Manchester City let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 with Tottenham.

As a result, Arsenal now boast a six-point cushion at the top of the table, as they continue to balance their multiple trophy bids.

‘The league already?’

Arsenal’s hunt for silverware was the topic of conversation after they progressed in the Carabao Cup, with Rice joining the CBS Sports panel to discuss his side’s latest win.

Former Watford star Troy Deeney was in the studio, and asked the midfielder how the Gunners managed the semi-final clash, having headed into the second leg with a 3-2 lead.

Rice replied: “We’re going into the game today, we knew we had the league, erm, the lead in the tie.”

Pouncing on the slip of the tongue, Deeney quickly fired back: “The league already?”

YouTube/CBS Sports Golazo

YouTube/CBS Sports Golazo

The Englishman was quick to own up to his gaffe, as he laughed and replied: “My bad.”

Quickly recovering the situation, Rice went on to explain how the Gunners had approached the semi-final clash, which saw them reach the Carabao Cup final for the first time since 2018.

He continued: “We said to the boys before the game, ‘We’re one game from Wembley, how much do you want it?’ 

“We haven’t been there for many years, today wasn’t just about playing nice football, sometimes it comes down to heart, desire and how much you want to win games of football in semi-finals.

“In the end, we got through the game and won 1-0. I don’t think Chelsea created much even though they played well, but in the end over the two ties we deserved it. 

“We’re into a final now which we have to enjoy.”

Getty

Despite being thrilled with the result, the England star admitted Arsenal’s busy run of games had taken its toll.

In the six days leading up to their semi-final second leg clash, the Gunners faced Kazakhstan-based club Kairat in their final Champions League league phase clash, before travelling to Leeds four days later in the league.

Asked how he was feeling after overcoming Chelsea, Rice replied: “Shattered. 

“Honestly, the schedule has been ridiculous and when you’re playing a team like Chelsea who have that many good players, they’re constantly making you think, making you work, credit to them.

“It could have gone either way tonight or the first-leg but everything we have been building towards over the last few years is beginning to come together this season. 

“[We’re] into our first final for a very long time so we need to enjoy the moment.”