Declan Rice knows Arsenal cannot afford any slip-ups in title race

The newest got here on Monday as shambolic Sheffield United had been humbled 6-0 at Bramall Lane, transferring Mikel Arteta’s third-placed facet again inside two factors of leaders Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp’s Reds host fellow title contenders Metropolis on Sunday – a match either side will begin bumped down the standings ought to Arsenal beat Brentford the day before today.

“I feel it has been a hell of a comeback for the reason that Christmas interval, once we misplaced two in a row,” big-money summer time signing Rice stated. “I feel there was a number of discuss once we had the winter break.

“We got here again and that full week in Dubai was simply full concentrate on Palace and profitable that recreation, getting the momentum again swinging our method.

“Since we now have had that recreation, we now have actually finished that and we’re wanting actually sturdy, actually constructive.

“However it’s the Premier League, you could be on it each single recreation. You’ll be able to’t have any slip-ups. We’re actually having fun with and relishing profitable soccer matches.”

Rice and his team-mates have to take care of that focus for 11 extra matches, with Arteta suggesting 90 factors could also be wanted to win the Premier League.

“I feel if you happen to take a look at the 2 different groups on the prime, they don’t appear like they will slip up anytime quickly,” the England midfielder stated.

“Clearly we had been the final to play, so it’s all the time on our thoughts that we now have to win if we wish to keep in it.

“There may be such an extended technique to go, something can occur, 11 video games of soccer is a extremely good distance.

“Hopefully we are able to maintain profitable matches, however it’s one recreation at a time.

“We’ve been on this place earlier than and I feel it’s simply keep humble. Look forward to the video games to come back and assault them when the day arrives.”

These feedback underline the leading edge, maturity and swagger about Arsenal, which noticed them enter the document books at Bramall Lane.

By no means earlier than had an English league facet gained three right away matches by 5 objectives or extra – and there was even discuss of a possible record-breaking Premier League win throughout a surprising first half.

Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Rice’s efforts had been complemented by a Jayden Bogle personal aim throughout Monday’s wild opening interval in opposition to the beleaguered Blades.

“I feel while you come to a group like Sheffield United, who’re combating for his or her lives, it could all the time be a sticky recreation,” Rice stated.

“However it’s about mindset, it’s about mentality, physique language, pushing one another and straight from the primary whistle it was on our thoughts.

“The supervisor has been on at us all week, that we now have to exit and provides it completely every part to get three factors. It was an attractive first half.”