Declan Rice bites back over accusations around what Arsenal star was caught on camera saying

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Arsenal star Declan Rice has hit back at critics accusing him of performing for the cameras to rally his team-mates following their defeat at Manchester City back in April. The midfielder was captured on Sky Sports cameras declaring "it's not done" after the 2-1 loss on April 19.

Many believed at the time that City would go on to lift the Premier League title after that triumph at the Etihad Stadium. However, the Gunners proceeded to win their next four league matches while the City dropped points against Everton .

Pep Guardiola's side dropped further points on Tuesday night in a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth . Eli Junior Kroupi scored what turned out to be the crucial goal, despite Erling Haaland's late equaliser.

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That outcome secured Arsenal a first league crown since 2004 , with jubilant scenes erupting in north London following the match. England international Rice has now spoken to Arsenal's in-house media, looking back on the viral moment involving him at the Etihad last month.

He said: "That's the mad thing. It's like 'oh he's saying it for the cameras'... bro there's 100 cameras! I didn't know I'm getting recorded saying that... but it's worked out."

Arsenal have ended 22 years of heartache after three consecutive runners-up finishes - and could complete a double with the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain to come. Mikel Arteta's side will be presented with the Premier League trophy at Crystal Palace on Sunday, with the Gunners expected to rest a number of key players ahead of their European final against PSG on May 30.

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Arteta has opened up about his emotions following Tuesday's result. Speaking at a press conference, the Spaniard said: "It's one of the best feelings I've ever had. I was supposed to be here, at Sobha, watching the game with the boys and the staff, because that's what they wanted, but I couldn't.

"I think 20 minutes later, before the game, I had to leave. I couldn't bring the energy that I wanted and I think it was the moment as well to watch it together, to be themselves and just see what the outcome would be.

"I went home, I went outside to the garden, I started to build a fire and do some barbecue, so I didn't watch any of it. I was just hearing some noises in the background, in the living room and suddenly the magic happened.

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"My oldest son opened the garden door. He started to run towards me, started to cry, gave me a hug and said: 'We are champions, daddy.'

"Then my other two boys and my wife came over and it was beautiful.