Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice has explained what he feels is so special about the Gunners’ young squad as they aim to get their title charge back on track.
Between Christmas and the new year, Mikel Arteta’s men suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats against West Ham and Fulham respectively, which saw many write off Arsenal’s chances of ending their lengthy wait for a league title. The fact that FA Cup elimination at the hands of Liverpool soon followed did little to help morale around the red half of north London, but Rice remains optimistic.
The Gunners answered their critics in the best way possible last time out, thumping Crystal Palace 5-0 at the Emirates on Saturday. However, the damage done in late December means Arsenal remain five points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
Regardless, Rice is upbeat and discussed his start to life at the Emirates with Arsenal’s in-house media. The England international was asked how one of the youngest sides in the division is able to challenge for the title and his answer was particularly eye-opening.
The 25-year-old replied: “Hunger. Excitement. The desire to win. I think to be doing what we’re doing in the Premier League with a team this young is really, really special. I think there’s so much more to come from so many of us. We’re a group of really hungry players who want to succeed and will do anything to get there.”
Rice also waxed lyrical about the spirit within the Arsenal dressing room, noting that it would be easy for the mood to be high when things are going well on the pitch, but the true test comes during a run of poor results. Not only the players, but the Gunners backroom staff also came in for some kind words from the £105million man.
“I can have meetings with the coaches whenever I feel like I need one,” Rice added. “They’re always open to a conversation and I know I can knock on their door whenever to talk football or anything really.
“Sometimes they will call you for a meeting, but other times you’ll be the one to instigate it. It’s the same with Mikel.”
Rice has been nothing short of a revelation since arriving from Arsenal’s London rivals West Ham in the summer, but he has joined to win the biggest honours on offer. The Gunners are out of both domestic cups, meaning it is now the Premier League, Champions League or nothing.
Few would tip Arsenal as the favourites for either of those competitions, but if the team spirit is as good as Rice’s recent remarks suggest, who knows what the Gunners could achieve by the end of this season.