Declan Rice has urged his Arsenal team-mates to recognise that the Premier League crown will not simply fall into their hands following a damaging draw away at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Gunners were two goals in front at Molineux on Wednesday night but allowed their advantage to evaporate, conceding an equaliser in stoppage time against a side sitting at the foot of the table. The dropped points leave Arsenal with only two wins from their past seven league matches, opening the door for rivals to close the gap at the summit.
Having finished runners-up in each of the previous three campaigns, Arsenal are feeling increasing strain to finally convert a title challenge into silverware. Although they have led the standings for much of the season, Manchester City are once again gathering momentum and could move within two points if they make the most of their game in hand.
“We have to earn it”
Speaking to The Sun, Rice admitted there were honest and direct exchanges within the squad after the late collapse at Wolves. He acknowledged the team had fallen short of the standards they had set during the campaign and accepted responsibility for letting supporters down after being in such a strong position.
According to the Mirror, the midfielder stressed that success must be claimed through performance and resilience rather than expectation. He said the squad held a meeting to address the setback and insisted they are prepared to respond positively in the coming fixtures.
Despite the frustration, head coach Mikel Arteta kept the scheduled day off on Thursday, maintaining his original plan even after the disappointing result.
Call for unity before decisive clashes
With City playing before Arsenal this weekend, the pressure could intensify further. The sides are due to meet at the Etihad on April 18, while a Carabao Cup final at Wembley next month offers Arsenal an earlier opportunity to lift a trophy.
Rice underlined the importance of togetherness as the campaign enters its closing stretch. He called on supporters to stay aligned with the squad and avoid turning on the players during a critical phase.
Emphasising that the season still contains much to be optimistic about, Rice said there remains ample football to be played and insisted the team must not allow outside criticism to distract from what has otherwise been a strong campaign.