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Declan Rice has rallied up the Arsenal support. While giving credit to Liverpool, he has reinstated that the title race isn't over until it's over.
When Arsenal signed Declan Rice in 2023, they knew they were not only signing a great player. His technical ability spoke for itself, as he was often the one picking up the ball for West Ham and driving it forward. He has also scored some pretty incredible goals in the Premier League, so there's that.
But, the Gunners knew they were signing a leader too. Having captained West Ham United to a European trophy, his leadership qualities were unanimously agreed upon and were not up for debate at all. This is why Arsenal voluntarily splashed the cash, making Rice their most expensive player of all-time and remaining the only time they have spent over £100m on one player.
However, supporters might look at his recent comments as a form of toxic positivity. Indeed, there is a fine line between rallying up your players and holding onto false hope. Unfortunately, Rice might be treading that line a little too much right now.
Arsenal star Declan Rice makes shock Liverpool admission
According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by Fabrizio Romano, Declan Rice still believes the title race is there and worth pursuing. Speaking after scoring the equalising goal at Old Trafford this weekend, the England midfielder credited Liverpool but refused to rule out Arsenal this season.
In his own words, Declan Rice said: “We’ll give everything until the end of the season. Liverpool have been amazing, credit to them. It’s not over yet. We need to keep pushing, we’re Arsenal. There’s still much to play for”.
Look, inherently, Declan Rice is saying nothing wrong here. Actually, it would be weird if he came out and said the opposite, that Arsenal were giving up hope and handing the title over to Liverpool at this stage. However, it is a poorly timed comment, is all.
As far as fans are concerned, the domestic season is essentially over. Arsenal are out of the FA Cup, EFL Cup and they are falling short in the Premier League. After the weekend, the Gunners are now 15 points behind leaders Liverpool, with one game in hand.
Of course, the Champions League is different. Arsenal are essentially in the quarter-final there, so it's worth pushing for progression there, at least. However, it's hard to hold the same high hopes in the Premier League. Sorry, Declan, it just is.