Arsenal hero admits major setback before Tottenham match

Tottenham fans might be feeling a bit more optimistic ahead of the North London Derby, with Declan Rice set to miss out on the clash. The Arsenal midfielder's absence could be a significant boost for Spurs, especially given how crucial he’s been to the Gunners this season.

Rice saw red during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton, with the second yellow card coming in a rather controversial manner. The incident occurred when he was deemed to have interfered with a Brighton free-kick by moving the ball away from Joel Veltman. The decision to send him off has sparked plenty of debate, with many feeling it was a harsh call. Nevertheless, it means Arsenal will be without one of their star players when they head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the 15th of September.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright hasn’t hidden his concern about Rice’s absence, highlighting just how vital the England international has been to Arsenal’s setup. Wright was vocal about how Rice’s influence was missed in the second half against Brighton, and he reckons that if Rice had stayed on the pitch, Arsenal might have secured all three points.

Arsenal hero admits major setback before Tottenham match

On the official Premier League website, Wright shared his thoughts, saying:

"Yeah, it’s a big blow. I think it’s a big blow for us simply because he is so integral to everything that we are doing. If Declan is on the pitch for the second half (against Brighton), then we would probably win that game. He is a big miss."

Rice's ability to break up play, distribute the ball effectively, and lead by example has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s approach this season. Without him, the Gunners will have to find a way to plug that gap, and that’s no easy task.

For Tottenham, Rice’s suspension could be the slice of luck they need. After a recent 2-1 loss to Newcastle United, Spurs will be looking to bounce back, and what better way than with a win against their fiercest rivals? Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly be eyeing Arsenal’s weakened midfield as an area to exploit. With the derby always being a fiery affair, the absence of such a key player could swing the balance in Spurs’ favour.