“Bring it on” – Declan Rice makes strong statement ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Manchester City
Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has sent a strong message ahead of the huge Premier League clash away to Manchester City this weekend.
The Gunners have not been at their best in recent matches, including a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Carabao Cup final, but now have the opportunity to make a major statement in the title race at the Etihad Stadium.
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Arsenal don’t have the best record away to City, though they’ve drawn their last two league meetings there, which would probably be another satisfactory result for Mikel Arteta and co. in terms of keeping themselves in front in the table.
Rice, however, has come out fighting, saying how much he’s relishing this “beautiful” opportunity for the club.
Declan Rice’s strong words on Arsenal’s game against Man City
Speaking after Arsenal got past Sporting Lisbon to reach the Champions League semi-finals, Rice said: “It’s beautiful, can’t wait.
? “Bring it on!” – Declan Rice insists Arsenal are READY to go to Manchester City and WIN this weekend! ?? pic.twitter.com/ZkBqWqofsC
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“That’s why we play the game. When you’re watching the Premier League as a kid, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments.
“Then it comes down to are you gonna be ready and how much do you want it.
“No one’s going to hand you anything in this league. Like you said, there’s been a lot of noise, but ultimately it’s down to us as players.”
He added: “To go there and win would be a massive statement. These boys are ready, we spoke as a group, we know what’s required, so yeah bring it on.”
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Can Arsenal back up their fighting talk?
We’ve heard all this before from Arsenal’s players and their manager Mikel Arteta, but can they finally go to the Etihad and win?
AFC came very close last season when they led 2-1 deep into stoppage time before John Stones bundled in an equaliser, while the year before it finished 0-0.
At the moment, this Gunners side don’t look like scoring much, with injuries to the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka clearly having a big effect.
City are in much better form right now and tend to end the season strongly, but there’s also no escaping that they’ve struggled for consistency for much of this season, and at times haven’t looked like the City of old.
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