Top News

Arsenal star Declan Rice was left red-faced after almost claiming that the Premier League title was wrapped up.

The England international was dissecting their win over Chelsea in their Carabao Cup semi-final when he was forced to correct a slip of the tongue. Kai Havertz's goal wrapped up the Gunners' place in the final at Wembley next month as they now await the winner of the other semi-final between Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Arsenal have been in the driving seat in the title race since Liverpool's early-season collapse handed over the advantage, and ultimately derailed Arne Slot's title defence. The Gunners have kept their title rivals at bay so far but defeat to Manchester United offered the opportunity for City and Aston Villa to apply pressure and bridge the gap.

• Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal win over Chelsea, Kai Havertz, trophies and Wembley

• Gary Neville points finger at Viktor Gyokeres and Arsenal team-mates with brutal Chelsea verdict

However, they have failed to keep pressure on with Villa losing to Brentford while Arsenal's North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur fought back from two-down to earn a draw against Pep Guardiola's side on Sunday.

It allowed Arsenal to create a six-point cushion in the league while attention shifts between the League Cup, Champions League and FA Cup.

However, Rice's mishap almost saw him claim that the Premier League title is coming back to the red half of North London as early as the beginning of February.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE!Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page

He managed to get back on track but his comments didn't escape the CBS Sports panel. Rice said: "We're going to the game today knowing that we had league... the lead in the tie. We didn't want to put any pressure on ourselves... My bad (laughs).

"We said to the boys before the game, 'We're one game from Wembley, how much do you want it?' We haven't been there for many years, today wasn't just about playing nice football, sometimes it comes down to heart, desire and how much you want to win games of football in semi-finals.

"In the end, we got through the game and won 1-0, I don't think Chelsea created much even though they played well but in the end over the two ties we deserved it. We're into a final now which we have to enjoy."

There were joyous scenes at the Emirates Stadium after they booked their first final in six years.

Their first leg advantage proved to be decisive after their 3-2 win over the Blues at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. Former Chelsea striker Kai Havertz was on hand to rubberstamp their place under the arch in March.

A visbilty exasperated Rice hailed his teammates after navigating beyond Liam Rosenior's side after their relentless run of fixtures.

He said: "Shattered. Honestly, the schedule has been ridicuous and when you're playing a team like Chelsea who have that many good players, they're constantly making you think, making you work, credit to them.

"It could have gone either way tonight or the first-leg but everything we have been building towards over the last few years is beginning to come together this season. Into our first final for a very long time so need to enjoy the moment."