Midfield star Declan Rice has stated it’s mentally difficult to play for Arsenal, because the membership is predicted to win each sport. His feedback got here on the again of the Gunners’ nerve-wracking win over Leicester Metropolis, which noticed them draw degree on factors (14) with Premier League holders Manchester Metropolis.
Underneath player-turned-manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has develop into one of many prime contenders for the Premier League title. They pushed Manchester Metropolis arduous within the final two seasons, ending 5 factors behind them in 2022-23 and simply two behind in 2023-24. The North London membership goes all out to take the ultimate step this season and convey dwelling their first Premier League title since 2003-04. Nevertheless, the highway to glory is stuffed with challenges, each bodily and psychological.
Declan Rice Opens Up Concerning the Challenges of Taking part in for Arsenal
Probably the greatest defensive midfielders in England, Rice has barely put a foot fallacious since becoming a member of from West Ham United in the summertime of 2023. On the floor, he seems calm and picked up, able to tackle each problem that comes his method. However on the within, he frequently offers with bouts of hysteria.
Talking to soccer.london, Rice stated:
“Mentally it’s powerful. The anxiousness is thru the roof!
“ the strain of enjoying for Arsenal, it’s important to win each sport. And if you wish to win Premier Leagues and cups, compete on the prime, it is advisable to be at your finest and it is advisable to win – in any other case the strain mounts.”
Leicester Gave The Gunners a Actuality Test
Rice and Co. claimed a slender 4-2 win over Leicester Metropolis on Saturday, September 28. They have been 2-0 up and in full management heading into the second half, courtesy of targets from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Nevertheless, issues modified quickly within the second 45, as James Justin introduced the Foxes again with a superb brace. Arsenal in the end clinched most factors in damage time, with Wilfred Ndidi (OG) and Kai Havertz sealing a hard-fought win.
“When that second purpose went in for them [Leicester City], one thought is – we will’t lose this sport, we’ve got to maintain going. Ultimately, it’s sort of like a sigh of reduction, as a result of we received the sport, we deserved to win the sport,” Rice added.
“That was most likely probably the most comfy we’ve got been within the first half all season, by way of passing the ball, dominating the ball. There are many positives to take, however nonetheless a lot to enhance on. Because the season goes on, I’m certain you’re going to hold seeing the very best of us.”
Arsenal will return to motion with a tough conflict towards Paris Saint-Germain on October 1, in Gameweek 2 of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League season. They performed out a goalless draw with Atalanta on Matchday 1.
