Declan Rice issues rallying cry for Arsenal’s ‘title-defining’ clash with Man City

Rice has called on his Arsenal teammates to step up against Man City (PA Wire)

Rice, who overcame illness to play the full match against Sporting, was unequivocal about the need for a step up.

"There’s no beating around the bush. We have to perform better than we did against Bournemouth and you can say tonight (against Sporting as well)," he stated.

He pinpointed areas for immediate improvement, adding: "Recently, we probably have made too many errors than we have done in previous weeks. It’s about doing the basics a little bit better to a better level – just the five, 10-yard passes that we’re giving away a bit sloppily. And just that confidence with the ball, just taking more touches, relaxing on the ball, not feeling under pressure."

Looking ahead to the Etihad showdown, Rice expressed his eagerness.

"The Etihad is the ultimate test – but it’s why we play this game. So, bring it on," he said. "It’s beautiful and I can’t wait. It’s why we play the game.

“When you’re a kid watching games and when you’re watching the Premier League, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments and it comes down to if you’re going to be ready and how much do you want it?"

He acknowledged City’s strong form, noting, "they’ve obviously been in really good form recently. No one’s going to hand you anything in this league. There’s been a lot of noise but ultimately, it’s down to us as players.

City have found form in recent weeks to claw away at Arsenal’s lead (PA Wire)

“That’s why we’re professionals. That’s why we play this game. To go there and win would be a massive statement and look, these boys are ready. We spoke as a group. We know what’s required."

Arsenal’s aspirations for an unprecedented quadruple were dashed last month by City in a one-sided Carabao Cup final at Wembley, followed by an FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship side Southampton. The FA Cup triumph in 2020 remains the sole silverware of Arteta’s tenure.

Rice reflected on the pain of past defeats, saying: "It hurts losing every final. To see them lift that, it did hurt. There is that fire in the stomach to eradicate that this weekend.

“We have six games to go in the Premier League and we know how big it is. In the Champions League, we know we have Atletico Madrid next, so it’s going to be some journey if we can get to the final. We’ve just got to keep going and keep believing in what we can achieve."