Midfield star Declan Rice has mentioned it’s mentally difficult to play for Arsenal, because the membership is anticipated to win each recreation. 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.
Below player-turned-manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has grow to be 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 Concerning 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 calm and picked up, able to tackle each problem that comes his manner. However on the within, he usually offers with bouts of tension.
Chatting with soccer.london, Rice mentioned:
“Mentally it’s powerful. The anxiousness is thru the roof!
“You already know the strain of enjoying for Arsenal, you must win each recreation. And if you wish to win Premier Leagues and cups, compete on the high, it’s essential be at your finest and it’s essential 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 objectives 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 will’t lose this recreation, we’ve got 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 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’ll preserve seeing the perfect of us.”
Arsenal will return to motion with a difficult conflict in opposition to 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.
