Declan Rice is desperate to drive Arsenal over the line in the Premier League title race, and as the Gunners move back ahead of Manchester City, he has made his goal clear
Declan Rice insists Arsenal must be punch-perfect and take maximum points to win the Premier League title.The Gunners midfielder, who was spotted on camera last week claiming it “was not done” following the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, was delighted with his side’s response as they picked up their first top-flight win since March 14 against Newcastle.
Rice said: “The three points were massive today. After the week we had against Manchester City, there was a lot of encouragement to take from that game, but we knew coming into this, with five games left, we have to win all five.
“To tick that one off today was a real boost, so we’re really, really happy with the win today.”
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With just four matches left to play in the Premier League, Arsenal now turn attention to Europe as they head to Atletico Madrid for a mouthwatering Champions League semi-final match-up with Atletico Madrid.
The 27-year-old maestro wants Arsenal to embrace – not shy away from – the challenge that lies ahead.
He continued: “That’s what it’s been all season, and that’s what we want it to be towards the end of the season, staying top, staying positive. Four games to go, and that’s what we want to do, keep winning more matches, and we’re going to be ready for that.
“We’ve played in tough games in the last three or four years at the highest level, so we know what to expect, what’s to come. We’re Champions League semi-finalists, let’s embrace it, enjoy it, and bring it on.
“To be honest, you don’t think about it too much because you can’t be thinking about the future when you’ve got games like today. Obviously now I can focus on Atletico, but you can’t get too caught up with what’s to come, it just takes up too much of your energy.
“You need to focus on what we can control in the next game. Now we focus on Atletico, it’s really exciting. We’ve got to keep going and be ready for what’s to come.”
Eberechi Eze, who struck a brilliant first-half winner, is hopeful he has avoided injury despite hobbling off in the second half against Newcastle.
Kai Havertz will need to undergo tests on his groin after he was forced off before the half-time whistle. There are also concerns Gabriel Martinelli may have picked up a hamstring issue as he was spotted holding the area at full-time.
Arsenal now travel to Spain for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
