‘We created our own problems’ – Declan Rice on defeat to Lens

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice says the players were at fault for their defeat to RC Lens on Tuesday night.

The Gunners suffered their first defeat of the season as they lost 1-2 away from home against the Ligue 1 side in their second Champions League group game.

Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead through Gabriel Jesus before Lens scored two goals to grab all three points against the Premier League side.

The defeat leaves Arsenal in second position, one behind Lens, who recorded a 1-1 draw with Sevilla in the opening round of the competition.

Rice says the players are to be blamed for the result as they didn’t do what was needed during the game.

“We missed some big chances after going one up. We created our own problems in the second half. We totally dominated the match and they’re not an easy opponent. They’re constantly pressing you and we had to be on it,” he told TNT Sports.

“We got out really well but it was the final bit that was lacking for us tonight. It’s good for us. We’ve lost but we can learn a lot from tonight and go again. We’re 10 games or so into the season, there’s another 50 or so to go. We’re just warming up and getting into our rhythm.”