Midfield star Declan Rice has stated it’s mentally difficult to play for Arsenal, because the membership is predicted to win each recreation. His feedback got here on the again of the Gunners’ nerve-wracking win over Leicester Metropolis, which noticed them draw stage on factors (14) with Premier League holders Manchester Metropolis.
Underneath player-turned-manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has turn into one of many high contenders for the Premier League title. They pushed Manchester Metropolis laborious 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 produce dwelling their first Premier League title since 2003-04. Nonetheless, the highway to glory is stuffed with challenges, each bodily and psychological.
Declan Rice Opens Up In regards to the Challenges of Enjoying for Arsenal
Among the finest defensive midfielders in England, Rice has barely put a foot incorrect since becoming a member of from West Ham United in the summertime of 2023. On the floor, he appears to be like calm and picked up, able to tackle each problem that comes his means. However on the within, he usually offers with bouts of tension.
Talking to soccer.london, Rice stated:
“Mentally it’s powerful. The anxiousness is thru the roof!
“You understand the strain of taking part in for Arsenal, you must win each recreation. And if you wish to win Premier Leagues and cups, compete on the high, it is advisable to be at your greatest and it is advisable to win – in any other case the strain mounts.”
Leicester Gave The Gunners a Actuality Examine
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.
Nonetheless, issues modified quickly within the second 45, as James Justin introduced the Foxes again with an excellent brace. Arsenal finally clinched most factors in harm time, with Wilfred Ndidi (OG) and Kai Havertz sealing a hard-fought win.
“When that second aim went in for them [Leicester City], one thought is – we are able to’t lose this recreation, we’ve to maintain going. In the long run, it’s form of like a sigh of aid, as a result of we received the sport, we deserved to win the sport,” Rice added.
“That was in all probability essentially the most comfy we’ve 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 positive you’re going to maintain seeing the perfect 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.
