Arsenal had plenty to celebrate after their Champions League victory, but one decision from Mikel Arteta has become a major talking point among supporters.

The Gunners secured an important result against Slavia Praha, yet the reaction after the final whistle was not entirely focused on the performance or the three points.

Instead, attention quickly turned to Declan Rice and the decision to keep the midfielder on the pitch for the full 90 minutes.

With Arsenal managing a demanding schedule, supporters have questioned whether Arteta is taking unnecessary risks with one of his most important players.

Arsenal supporters question Arteta’s treatment of Declan Rice

Rice’s workload became a major talking point online, with several Arsenal supporters expressing concern about the midfielder’s condition and the possibility of burnout.

One fan questioned whether Arteta was repeating previous mistakes, writing: “Arteta keeps playing risky games with Rice hasn’t learned from Havertz.”

Another suggested the manager was pushing his players too far, saying: “Arteta wants to use Rice until his legs start to fall off. I don’t think he’s learnt from Saka.”

There was also frustration about Arsenal’s second-half management, particularly given Rice remained on the pitch despite the opportunity to make changes.

One supporter wrote: “Felt pretty arrogant to drop the level of intensity like that in the second half. Shocking game management from Arteta and the players. Rice playing the full 90 while Bruno/MLS didn’t get any minutes would only make sense if the plan is to rest Rice at the weekend.”

The reaction reflects a wider concern among supporters about how carefully Arteta needs to manage his squad during a busy period of the season.

Sam Dean raises concerns over Rice’s condition

Arsenal journalist Sam Dean also questioned why Rice remained on the pitch until the final whistle, highlighting signs of discomfort during the closing stages.

Writing on X, Dean said: “Quite surprised Declan Rice stayed on the pitch for the full 90 minutes there. He seemed to be in a bit of discomfort after a couple of long sprints. And then he got the silly yellow. Arteta perhaps panicking about the result.”

The journalist’s observations added to the discussion surrounding Rice’s workload, with supporters questioning whether the midfielder should now be given a rest.

The decision could have consequences for Arsenal’s next fixture, writing: “Because of tonight Rice may need to start the bench at the weekend. Arteta just burning him out how could he not see he was knackered?”

Arsenal will want to protect Rice’s fitness as the season progresses, particularly given his importance to Arteta’s midfield.

The victory over Slavia Praha was another positive result, but the debate surrounding Rice shows that supporters are also looking beyond individual matches and towards the bigger picture.

With fixtures continuing to come thick and fast, Arteta’s decisions over when to rest his key players could prove just as important as the results themselves.