‘I’ve expected more’ – Emmanuel Petit takes swipe at ‘struggling’ Arsenal star

Emmanuel Petit has slammed the performance of Declan Rice so far this season and admitted he has come to expect more from the Arsenal midfielder.

A narrow 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last weekend made it no wins in three in the Premier League for the Gunners who have fallen behind Liverpool and Manchester City in the early stages of the title race.

Mikel Arteta’s side have kept just three clean sheets so far this season and have also lacked the same attacking potency when compared to last year.

Many have pointed the finger at Arsenal’s consistent injury problems when explaining their downturn in results but Petit believes that individual performances have also not been up to standard.

In particular, the former Gunners midfield namechecked Rice as someone who has flattered to deceive so far this season.

‘Declan Rice is the player that I’ve expected more from this season,’ he told Instant Casino.

‘I think he’s been struggling from the start of the season. The red card he received in August was probably a sign. I hope he comes back stronger, but he’s been below par so far.’

Rice played every game for the Gunners in the Premier League last season after joining from West Ham and became a crucial cog in Arteta’s engine room.

However, the Englishman has not been able to replicate the same level of performance so far this season, most memorably picking up a sloppy red card early in the campaign which cost them two points against Brighton.

A knock in training means the 25-year-old is set to miss the Gunners’ Champions League tie with Inter Milan on Wednesday – and is a doubt for their weekend meeting with Chelsea – but Petit believes the injury could be a blessing in disguise and allow Rice to get a much-needed break.

‘He’s been marvellous since he signed for Arsenal but from the start of season, he’s not the same player anymore,’ he said.

‘It was a long season last season, and he played so many games at a high level during the European Championship as well.

‘During the game against Newcastle, we saw his face many times on TV. He looks so tired. You can see that on his face.’

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