04 October 2023 , 00:00
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Declan Rice feels that Arsenal weren't clinical enough after suffering a 2-1 defeat away to French side Lens in the Champions League.
The Gunners took an early lead in the 14th minute, only for Gabriel Jesus' strike to be cancelled out by efforts from Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi either side of half-time. Post-match, Rice picked apart his side's performance, telling TNT Sports: "I feel we created enough to win the game, for sure.
"We missed some big chances. It's a great finish for their first goal and the second one we created with our own problems. I thought we totally dominated the match but they are not an easy opponent. We had to be on it but it was just that final bit that was lacking. Credit to them. They defended very well and some of their centre-backs had some amazing performances."
There's no time for panic, though, Rice reckons. "We're 10 games into the season, another 50 to go," the £105million midfielder added. "We're just warming up and getting into our rhythm, but our full focus turns back to the league and it's a massive game on Sunday."
That "massive game" is against Premier League title rivals Manchester City, with star man Bukayo Saka potentially ruled out. Arteta admitted that he doesn't currently know how serious the England international's injury is, having been forced off in the first half.
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Declan Rice and his Arsenal team-mates had a tough night as they lost 2-1 to Lens (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Like Rice, the Gunners boss was highly complimentary of opponents Lens, saying: "They are a really good side, exceptional opponent. We took the lead and then in one action they managed to score. We had a big chance straight after the break.
"It's true that we didn't generate enough of a threat in the final third, like on many occasions. We didn't attack certain spaces. The difference to the PSV [Eindhoven] game was in the boxes - we missed some big chances and didn't defend well enough for their goals.
"Mistakes happen in football and they will continue to be there somehow but the difference was made in both boxes. You have to put the ball in the back of the net and defend well. It was a big night for us. We weren't able to take the result we wanted but we were able to learn."
Having thrashed PSV 4-0 in their opening game, Arsenal sit second in their group and will next travel to Sevilla on October 24.