Full Breakdown
Rice’s “Not Done” Remark Sparks Debate After City Defeat
4/24/2026, 1:41:28 PM
Event and Title Context
On Sunday, Manchester City beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Etihad, with Erling Haaland scoring the winner. After the final whistle, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was captured on Sky Sports telling captain Martin Ødegaard “it’s not done” while appearing emotional. The comment quickly sparked debate as Arsenal’s title challenge, now with five games left, hinges on their response to the defeat.
Key Figures
- Declan Rice – Arsenal midfielder, source of the “not done” remark.
- Pep Guardiola – Manchester City manager, praised Rice’s mindset.
- Gary Neville – Former Manchester United defender, criticised Rice.
- Roy Keane – Former Manchester United captain, questioned Rice’s control.
- Ian Wright – Arsenal legend, defended Rice’s intent.
- Mikel Arteta – Arsenal manager, handling mixed messages after the loss.
Official Statements & Responses
Guardiola said the clip “shows what Declan Rice means” and used it as proof of Arsenal’s resilient mentality that keeps the title race alive. Arteta, without a direct rebuttal, noted the mixed news surrounding his side and urged focus on the upcoming Newcastle game to regain momentum.
Criticism & Opposition
Neville argued that seeing Rice “nearly in tears” and repeatedly saying “it’s not done” indicated the player was already “done”. Keane pressed, asking “And did he? Did he?” and insisted Arsenal must “win that middle-of-the-park battle” to challenge City.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I saw it [on Monday] and it shows what Declan Rice means. That’s the Arsenal mentality, we’ve faced it in the Premier League these [past] seasons and in the Carabao Cup, how competitive they are.” — Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager
- “No, if I was watching Declan Rice nearly in tears, and saying it’s not done, I’d be thinking you’re done. ‘It’s not done, It’s not done.’ I look at him and think he’s done.” — Gary Neville, former Manchester United defender
- “And did he? Did he?” — Roy Keane, former Manchester United captain
- “Exactly, exactly. You have to win that middle of the park battle.” — Roy Keane, former Manchester United captain
- “Whatever he was feeling at the time, if I’m the opposition watching that, I’d be thinking ‘they’re not done and he’s their main guy'” — Ian Wright, Arsenal legend
Why It Matters
The exchange highlights the psychological side of the title race. Rice’s resolve could lift squad confidence, but criticism raises doubts about Arsenal’s ability to dominate midfield against City’s Rodri and Bernardo Silva. The narrative may shape tactics and morale before a crucial fixture.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Neville and Keane portray Rice as emotionally vulnerable and ineffective, while Guardiola frames the moment as a sign of resilience. Neville credits City’s Rodri and Bernardo Silva with midfield control; Keane acknowledges their dominance but still questions Rice’s impact, leaving the precise assessment of the midfield contest unresolved.
What’s Next
Arsenal host Newcastle at the Emirates on Saturday, a match that could temporarily restore their pole position. With five games remaining, the title race stays open, and the Rice debate is likely to influence both public perception and internal expectations.
