Rice on his first season as a Gunner

Declan Rice has reflected on his first season in an Arsenal shirt, which has seen him become a pivotal part of our Premier League title race.

“It’s gone so quick because I’ve enjoyed it so much,” he said. “To be in my first title race has been really good. Now we have three games to go which we’re really focused on and hoping we can achieve something really special.

“We learn as the season goes on. The manager learns, the players learn as they get older and become more experienced and realise that if you’re in a good position and can see the finishing line then it’s about staying composed and not thinking too far ahead, taking one game at a time. That’s what we’ve been doing and you can really feel around the place on a matchday that we’re focused and ready.”

Deployed as a six or an eight, Declan has shown the versatility required to be part of Mikel Arteta’s plans this campaign.

“When we spoke at the start of the season he said he was going to use me across two positions and in my head then I was ready to adapt to either one he wants to play me in,” he explained. 

“Throughout the season I’ve played with a lot of different midfield partners but the main thing is I’ve had a connection with every one of them. Every time I’ve played with Kai, Martin, Fabio, Emile or Thomas it’s been the same and I’ve really enjoyed it.”