Arsenal got back on track in the Premier League by thrashing Leeds 4-0, with the comprehensive victory restoring their seven-point advantage at the summit of the table
Declan Rice helped Arsenal to a big win(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal star Declan Rice has told his team-mates that ‘every game is a cup final’ between now and the end of the season. Rice, 27, played the full game as the Gunners hammered Leeds 4-0 on Saturday.
The victory at Elland Road came courtesy of goals from Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus, plus an own goal from Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow. Arsenal are now seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table and have a chance to win four trophies.
Mikel Arteta’s side are also through to the last 16 of the Champions League after finishing top of the table, are still in the FA Cup and will play Chelsea in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday. After three games without a win in the Premier League prior to Saturday’s trip to Yorkshire, Rice knows that Arsenal can’t afford to be complacent.
“Off the back of the last three performances we knew how big today was,” the midfielder told Sky Sports. “To win 4-0 is a massive win for us.
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“We can control what we can control and we have to keep winning games and keep pushing. What will be will be. So far we are top in the Premier League and won eight out of eight in the Champions League.
“We can’t complain about where we are. We are in a really strong position, we know as players we have a really good squad. Every game is a cup final. We have a long four months ahead but we are prepared. Let’s keep going and give it a good go.”
Arteta was also delighted with his team’s response after losing 3-2 at home to Manchester United last weekend. “Well, it’s very impressive,” the Gunners boss said.
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Declan Rice wants his team-mates to treat every game like a ‘cup final'(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
“We talk about that noise, but it was a great noise as well, the fact that we were the first team in the Champions League to win eight games in a row.
“That’s a lot of noise, but a very positive one. We want to talk always more about the other noise. The other noise is part of that. The expectation is to win every game.
“We compete against incredible opponents, and we know that’s the case, but that has to fuel your energy and desire to win more than anything else, in my opinion.”
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