Arsenal star singles out fans after Bournemouth defeat | OneFootball

Declan Rice has praised the Arsenal fans for their support in the stadium despite the defeat to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Antoine Semenyo of AFC Bournemouth shoots and misses during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on October 19, 2024. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arsenal fans had plenty of reasons to be glum watching on as their team lost 2-0 to Bournemouth this weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s team were clear favourites on the day, with a great record against Bournemouth and an unbeaten start to the season.

But not only did they lose the match, they also lost William Saliba to suspension ahead of next weekend’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool.

Yet the Arsenal fans remained positive throughout the match, constantly chanting even when all hope of a result was lost.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Match Referee, Robert Jones interacts with Declan Rice of Arsenal after showing a red card to his teammate, William Saliba (not pictured) during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on October 19, 2024. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

After the game, Declan Rice made sure to give credit to the fans for their support.

“These supporters, they were full in the stadium even before we came out to warm up, singing our names, chanting,” Rice began.

“Then we go down to 10 men; the support, you feel that, you hear their voices and you want to do so well for them and perform for them because they pay their well-earned money to come and watch us and to travel down here.

“So to not win is disappointing, but we thank them and we have two big home games, Shakhtar and Liverpool. I know they will be behind us for that.”

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND: Match Referee, Robert Jones interacts with Gabriel of Arsenal and teammates after showing a red card to their teammate, William Saliba (not pictured) during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on October 19, 2024. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s excellent away support has certainly helped the team a lot in 2024, and must be a big reason why Saturday was the team’s first away league defeat of the year.

The team will hope the fans bring that same energy back to the Emirates Stadium for the next couple of games.