PREMIER LEAGUE: ‘We’ll still give it everything’ says Declan Rice after Aston Villa loss

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has told of his pain and frustration of gifting the advantage in the title challenge to Manchester City.

The title was Arsenal’s to lose as they went into the weekend at the top of the table. But a surprise 2-0 loss to Aston Villa means they end the weekend in second spot, two points behind City who beat Luton Town 5-1 on Saturday.

Aston Villa had plenty to play for as they look to qualify for a place in the Champions League and the win duly saw them open a three-point lead over Tottenham who lost to Newcastle on Saturday.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game Rice said: “It’s tough, really tough to take.

“Especially with the chances we had in the first half, the spaces there were. We had to take one of them because, in the Premier League, teams will come back to bite you and hurt you.

“That’s what Villa did in the second half.”

“We’ve been so dominant in games, but Villa have got some unbelievable players, technically unreal and Ollie up front is a constant goal threat.

“If you can’t win games of football, don’t lose. Look up at the clock with 15 to go and it’s 0-0, if you aren’t going to win then you take a point, especially in these situations.

“So, to lose is a real kick in the teeth.

“This is Arsenal, you feel the pressure that you have to win these matches. We put the pressure on ourselves. We knew coming in that we wanted nothing but three points.

“We didn’t get that which is disappointing but it’s time for a reaction, starting on Wednesday night.

“No one would have predicted our run since January. It’s come to an end today. You need to reset and reset.

“I still think there will be plenty more twists and turns to go. We’re in a three-horse title race with two unbelievable sides but, as you’ve seen with other results today, the Premier League can throw up anything.

“Six finals to go in the Premier League and we’ll give it everything,” he promised.