Declan Rice’s “it’s not done” line after Arsenal lost to Manchester City on April 19 has aged well. Arsenal are now Premier League champions after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, and Rice’s clip has become the defining soundbite from the run-in.
How Rice's message landed
Rice said the moment was not about performing for the cameras. “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,” he told football.london.
The football backs him up. Arsenal won four consecutive league matches after the defeat to City, turning the mood around quickly enough to keep the title race in their hands. That is the part that gives the clip its weight, not the fact it went viral.
Rice has had a proper season behind it as well. He made 36 Premier League appearances, posted a 7.46 league rating and finished with 9 Premier League goal contributions. In the Champions League he was rated 7.39, which is useful context for a player who stayed involved on both fronts.
The title itself is being pinned to more than one moment. Some descriptions point to City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth as the decisive trigger, while the broader story still starts with Arsenal doing their part after the City loss.
What Arsenal do next
The celebrations are being handled carefully. Arsenal will not celebrate their Premier League title at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night. The trophy lift takes place at Selhurst Park around 30 minutes after the match, and the parade is scheduled for May 31 at 2pm, the day after the Champions League final.
Arteta called it “one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.” He described watching the decisive moment at home with his family, before his oldest son ran into the garden crying and told him: “We are champions, daddy.”
That is where the story sits now. Rice’s line has become the season’s most replayed quote, Arsenal have their title, and the club still have the Champions League final to get through before the parade on May 31.
FAQ
Why is Declan Rice’s April message being linked to Arsenal’s title win?
Rice’s “it’s not done” line came after Arsenal lost 2-1 to Manchester City on April 19. Arsenal then won four consecutive league matches, and the title was confirmed when Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth. The quote has become the headline moment attached to the run.
Did Declan Rice think he was performing for the cameras after the City defeat?
No. Rice 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.” He rejected the idea that he was speaking for show.
Where will Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy after winning the title?
Arsenal will not celebrate at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday night. The trophy lift takes place at Selhurst Park around 30 minutes after the match, and the parade is scheduled for May 31 at 2pm, the day after the Champions League final.
What did Mikel Arteta say about Arsenal’s title win?
Arteta said it was “one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.” He described being at home with his family, hearing the news in the background, and then being told by his son, “We are champions, daddy.”
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
