Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is helping to spearhead the Gunners' Premier League title charge this season under Mikel Arteta, and a crunch clash with Liverpool awaits next on Thursday night
Declan Rice has been in great form for Arsenal this season(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Below is a summary of what Declan Rice said are the five reasons for Arsenal's title bid as well as what Mikel Arteta said about him...
Elite squad competition: In an interview with Jamie Redknapp for Sky Sports, Rice has noted the five key reasons he believes Arsenal can now end their 22-year title drought, highlighting that the intense competition for places ensures no player can afford to be complacent in their performances. He believes this daily pressure to perform at the highest level keeps the entire squad sharp and ready for every match.
Arteta’s management: The midfielder also credits Arteta's ability to push players individually, noting that the manager knows exactly when to provide a "nudge" to extract the best from him. This tailored leadership style has helped Rice and his teammates level up their game throughout the season.
A "buying-in" mentality: Rice additionally emphasises that every member of the squad has completely committed to the manager’s tactical vision and demands. This collective belief ensures that the team remains unified and disciplined when executing their game plan on the pitch.
Positive training energy: Another point is that the atmosphere at the training ground is described as being filled with a "real good vibe" and high energy since the start of the season. Rice feels this positive environment translates into confidence and momentum that helps the team win football matches.
Home support and atmosphere: Finally, Rice points to the importance of the Emirates Stadium becoming a fortress and the energy transmitted from the fans to the players. He believes that the synergy between the supporters and the team provides a massive boost, especially during crucial fixtures against title rivals.
Arteta meeting: Looking back to earlier in the campaign, Rice says Arteta pulled him into his office at one stage because the Arsenal manager was unhappy with the midfielder's performances. Rice told Sky Sports: "At the start of the season, the manager pushed me a lot. I think after two games, I was in his office. He pulled me in. He wasn't happy about a few things."
Video clips shown: Rice added: "There were a few clips, just of things that I wasn't doing right. Things that are basics, in terms of running and tracking your men and with the ball, positional-wise, that he wasn't too happy with. At the start of the season, I realised myself I probably wasn't at my best level. The good thing with this manager is that he knows when to put the knife in me in a little bit, just to give me a nudge, and he knows that will get the best out of me. Because I love to listen, I love to take it all in. I don't see that as a bad thing that he has told me that. When he said that to me, I said to myself: 'I do need to up it here!'"
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