Devastated Arsenal star spotted being consoled on pitch after huge title race blow

Devastated Arsenal star spotted being consoled on pitch after huge title race blowArsenal lost 2-1 to Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium, offering Manchester City an opportunity to close the gap before the Gunners travel to the Etihad Stadium next weekendCommentsSportJake Stokes and Bruna Reis Senior Sports Journalist17:15, 11 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesIt was a tough afternoon for Arsenal, giving Man City fresh hope in the title raceDeclan Rice was seen offering support to Martin Zubimendi in Arsenal's loss to Bournemouth. The 27-year-old midfielder, who joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad for £60m in the summer, endured a nightmare afternoon at the Emirates Stadium as the Cherries cruised to a 2-1 success.‌Between Rice and Zubimendi, possession was surrendered 29 times throughout the encounter against Andoni Iraola's outfit. The pair delivered precious little quality in midfield - they were outclassed by Ryan Christie and Alex Scott, who were instrumental in prolonging Bournemouth's unbeaten streak to 12 matches.‌During the opening period, as Viktor Gyokeres lined up his penalty, a supporter posted footage to Reddit showing the moment Rice recognised Zubimendi was battling. Eager to boost his colleague's morale, the England international wrapped his arm around the Spaniard.‌Rice tapped Zubimendi's chest while calling out something in his ear. Myles Lewis-Skelly also offered comfort to the midfielder, as did Gabriel Magalhaes, who attempted to energise him through a brief exchange and a handshake.Noni Madueke extended his encouragement to Zubimendi as well, clasping his hand too. Despite their collective attempts to rally the midfielder, he subsequently bore responsibility for the decisive goal, neglecting to follow his marker into the penalty area.OPINIONRyan TaylorMikel Arteta's 'bring your dinner' claim has harmed Arsenal's Premier League title chargeArsenal FC