In a season where Arsenal sit atop the Premier League table with a strong chance to end their long wait for the title, midfielder Declan Rice has delivered a clear and focused message to his teammates: consistency and the right mentality will be the decisive factor in lifting the trophy.
The England international, who has been a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s side since his high-profile arrival, recently opened up in interviews about what Arsenal must prioritize to go all the way. While the Gunners have shown flashes of brilliance—dominating possession, creating chances, and defending resolutely—the key, according to Rice, boils down to one particular thing: maintaining perspective while relentlessly pushing to win every game, no matter the circumstances.
In a candid discussion following a hard-fought draw against Wolves, Rice emphasized the importance of not getting carried away by the current standings. “One thing that stuck with me after the Manchester United game, the manager talked about looking at the position that we’ve earned for ourselves. We have to enjoy this,” he said. “And we enjoy it every day. Of course you do. This is our job—we’re playing for Arsenal, we’re in the final of the Carabao Cup, in the next round of the FA Cup, in the last 16 of the Champions League, first in the Premier League.”
However, he quickly added a note of caution. “We need some perspective about where we are, but also we need to look a bit bigger to understand that if we carry on doing what we’re doing in terms of the results, it isn’t going to last. It’s on us as players to pick that up because we have it in us to win every game. I genuinely believe with this group, with what we’ve done here before, we could go on the run and easily win games.”
This message resonates deeply in a campaign where Arsenal have already demonstrated their quality but have occasionally dropped points in matches they dominated. The North London club has been runners-up for three consecutive seasons, building momentum under Arteta’s meticulous leadership. Rice, now in his third year at the club and having reached 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, sees this as the moment to convert that progress into silverware.
The 27-year-old highlighted the collective hunger within the squad. “We have a group who really want it. Whatever team comes at us, we’re ready for it,” he noted in earlier comments around the League Cup final run. “The last three or four years we’ve been at the top of the Premier League competing and got really close but haven’t been good enough. That’s why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition.”
Rice’s words come at a pivotal time. Arsenal’s recent form has included impressive wins, but draws and minor slips have invited pressure from title rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City. The midfielder stressed unity and focus as non-negotiables. “Everyone’s needed on this road to the end,” he declared after another tight contest. “Keep staying positive and keep trying… The main thing is to keep winning games in this league, and that’s what we’re going to keep trying to do.”
Experts and fans alike point to Rice’s influence as one of the reasons Arsenal are in such a strong position. His ability to dictate play from midfield, break up opposition attacks, and contribute offensively has elevated the team’s overall performance. Yet he remains humble, refusing to take individual credit. “We’re on our own journey, we’re on our own path and we fully believe in each other,” he said. “We want to do it because we’ve got such a good core group, such quality players now that we can do it.”
Looking ahead to crucial fixtures—including the North London Derby—Rice sees opportunities to stamp authority. “The North London Derby is the perfect game to respond. It’s a massive game, one that is going to be massive in our season,” he remarked. “It’s going to be about how much you want it.”
This belief is echoed across the squad. Arsenal’s young, dynamic team has matured, blending experience with youthful energy. Additions in key areas, combined with Arteta’s tactical evolution, have positioned them as genuine contenders. Rice, however, insists the title won’t be handed over—it must be earned through relentless effort.
“If you want to win with Arsenal and leave a legacy, this is your chance to do it over the next four months. Let’s keep going and give it a good go,” he urged. The midfielder’s message is straightforward: stay grounded, enjoy the ride, but never ease off the accelerator. The “particular thing” isn’t a tactical tweak or a new signing—it’s the unwavering commitment to winning every remaining match with the right mindset.
As the season enters its decisive phase, Arsenal’s players are heeding Rice’s call. The belief is palpable, the desire fierce. With Rice leading by example in midfield, the Gunners are poised to finally break their 22-year drought—if they can deliver on that one crucial element: total, unrelenting focus and consistency.
The Premier League title race remains wide open, but Declan Rice’s words serve as both motivation and reminder. Arsenal know what they must do. Now, it’s about executing it over the final stretch. The Emirates faithful can only hope this is the year the wait ends.