What Chelsea fans were saying about Declan Rice during Arsenal game
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Declan Rice Faces Tough Reception from Chelsea Fans at Stamford Bridge
Arsenal’s Declan Rice received a frosty welcome on his return to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea fans quick to remind him of his past with the club. Despite having recently broken a toe, Rice started the game, taking on Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo in a head-to-head midfield battle. Both players, who rank among the Premier League’s most expensive signings, were under close scrutiny as they faced off in this highly anticipated matchup.
Chelsea Fans’ Taunts and History with Rice
Rice began his football journey at Chelsea’s academy, only to be released, a fact that Blues fans were eager to highlight. Early in the game, chants of “Chelsea reject” rang out from the home supporters, targeting the 25-year-old midfielder. Chelsea had a chance to bring Rice back into the fold when he was put up for sale by West Ham United last year, but instead opted to sign Moises Caicedo. Since then, Chelsea fans have remained convinced they made the right choice.
Caicedo vs. Rice: A Clash of Elite Midfielders
Chelsea fans weren’t alone in their focus on the Rice-Caicedo matchup. Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard, who previously played alongside Caicedo at Brighton, was quick to speak highly of his former teammate before the game. Both Caicedo and Rice have made headlines as some of the Premier League’s most expensive acquisitions, and their performances are continuously compared. For Chelsea, Caicedo’s physicality and defensive prowess have made him a key asset in midfield, with current manager Enzo Maresca preferring him alongside Romeo Lavia in recent lineups.
Graham Potter’s Attempt to Bring Rice to Chelsea
While Caicedo currently fills the role Chelsea needed, former manager Graham Potter had shown interest in Rice during his time with the Blues. Reports from The Telegraph indicate that Potter encouraged Chelsea to pursue Rice in the January 2023 transfer window. Although Potter also coached another high-profile signing, Enzo Fernandez, he believed Rice could add something unique to the team’s midfield.
Since Maresca took over, Fernandez has seen less playing time as Chelsea’s coach has leaned towards a more physical lineup with Caicedo and Lavia. It’s likely that Chelsea’s current management appreciates Rice’s physical style, yet a Stamford Bridge return for Rice never materialized.
Looking Ahead for Both Clubs
As the season progresses, Arsenal will face Nottingham Forest in their next Premier League match, while Chelsea prepares for an away game against Leicester City at King Power Stadium. Both Caicedo and Rice have solidified their spots in their respective squads, and fans on both sides will continue to watch their performances closely as they vie for midfield supremacy.
