Declan Rice limped off in the closing stages at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta allayed fears over an injury to Declan Rice and said the Arsenal midfielder was merely suffering from cramp in the closing stages of their 2-0 win against Wolves.
Goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka on either side of half-time saw the Gunners stroll to a comfortable win in their first match of the new Premier League season.
But there was late concern for Arsenal fans when Rice was forced off in the 85th minute having received treatment on the pitch.
However, speaking after full-time, Arteta confirmed that the Englishman had simply been suffering from cramp in what was only his second start since last month’s Euro 2024 final.
‘He was cramping a bit,’ the Spaniard confirmed in his post-match press conference.
‘He has not had the longest pre-season ever. He was really trying and put in an unbelievable performance today.’
Despite the positive performance, though, Arteta insisted there were still areas his side would have to improve upon in the coming weeks.
Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal’s second goal at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)
‘There are things to improve, for sure, but overall very happy,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘Especially the lack of control we have in moments in the second half because we gave so many simple balls away. I don’t know if it was fatigue or what was it, credit to Wolves as well.
‘And in some situations we have to finish the actions better.’
Arsenal travel to face Aston Villa next Saturday at Villa Park as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.