Declan Rice hits out at social media trolls over Arsenal star abuse: REAL FANS love him!

Robin Bairner

16 Jan 2025 01:10 CST
3 min read

Declan Rice has leapt to the defence of Arsenal team-mate Kai Havertz following the Gunners’ 2-1 North London Derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday.

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The win, which was secured via an own goal from Dominic Solanke and a strike from Leandro Trossard in the first half, means that Arsenal closed the gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table to four points, albeit having played a game extra.

But while Mikel Arteta’s side are enjoying another competitive season, striker Havertz has found himself often criticised for his lack of scoring touch from the No.9 role, leading to an expectation that the Gunners will sign a forward.

STATS

Kai Havertz

F, M (C)

Arsenal

Kai Havertz

F, M (C)

Arsenal

17

Games
7

Goals
2

Assists

Rice backs 'scrapper' Havertz

Rice says match-going fans are supportive of the Germany international but that the 25-year-old is made a “scapegoat” by fans online.

Speaking after the game, Rice said: “There's a social media perception, then when you come to the stadium and actually hear the real fans and what they think, it's two different things.

“The cheer he got tonight was ridiculous, it was the loudest cheer of the night when his name called out you could tell that meant a lot to him.

“The way he fights and scraps for 90 minutes and does it week in and week out. Alright, he might not score every week but what he does for the team is the most important and he's been brilliant for us.”

© IMAGO - Kai Havertz: Arsenal's leading scorer this season

Rice pointed to the acclaim Havertz got from the supporters prior to kick-off as evidence that the supporters are still right behind him.

“You could see the reception before the game for Kai. It was unbelievable the cheer he got and what he's done for this team, the goals he scored at important times this year,” the England midfield said.

“I'm never going to knock anyone & we need full support for all players.”

Havertz has 12 goals in 28 games this season, the only Arsenal player in double figures for goals in all competitions this season.