Declan Rice blames Arsenal’s shock Champions League defeat on ‘missing BIG chances’ as Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz fluff their lines in Lens – but he insists his side are just ‘warming up’ ahead of Sunday’s Man City clash

• Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by French outfit in the Champions League on Tuesday 
• Declan Rice believes Arsenal’s lack of potency led to the disappointing defeat
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

Declan Rice urged that Arsenal weren’t clinical enough in the final third as his side were beaten 2-1 by Lens on Tuesday night.

The Gunners took the lead in the Champions League clash through Gabriel Jesus but were unable to capitalise on their advantage, with the French club coming from behind to win thanks to goals from Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi.

Thomasson’s well-taken equaliser in the 25th minute came after Arsenal’s No 1 goalkeeper David Raya gave the ball away poorly playing out from the back. 

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard and Takehiro Tomiyasu were among those who squandered great opportunities before Wahi’s second-half winner for Lens, while substitute Reiss Nelson missed a superb chance to level the score in the closing stages.

‘We missed some big chances,’ Rice admitted. ‘It’s a great finish for their first goal and the second one we created with our own problems. 

Declan Rice urged that Arsenal weren’t clinical enough as his side lost 2-1 to Lens on Tuesday

Arsenal took the lead through Gabriel Jesus but were unable to capitalise on the advantage

Lens scored twice through Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi (above) to come from behind and win – as the Gunners continued to squander a host of chances in the Champions League clash

‘I thought we totally dominated the match but they are not an easy opponent. We had to be on it but it was just that final bit that was lacking. 

‘Credit to them. They defended very well and some of their centre-backs had some amazing performances.’

Arsenal must now prepare for a ‘massive’ test, as Rice described it, against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City this weekend.

Thomas Partey was given a full rest against Lens, while first-team regulars Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz were taken off early.

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Kai Havertz, who netted a penalty at the weekend, missed a golden opportunity to make it 2-0

Arsenal must now prepare for a crucial clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday

Rice went on to urge that Arsenal are very early into the season and have plenty of time to iron out the kinks as they push for silverware this campaign. 

‘We’re 10 games into the season, another 50 to go,’ the England star continued. 

‘We’re just warming up and getting into our rhythm, but our full focus turns back to the league and it’s a massive game on Sunday.’

Arsenal sit third in the Premier League ahead of Sunday’s clash at the Emirates and are only a point behind the champions following their shock 1-0 defeat by Wolves last weekend. 

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