Declan Rice’s reaction to Liverpool dropping points was both measured and insightful, reflecting his experience and focus as a key player in Arsenal’s midfield.
On a thrilling Wednesday night at the Emirates Stadium, Rice played a pivotal role as Arsenal secured a crucial 2-0 victory against Manchester United, managed by Ruben Amorim. The win came courtesy of goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, solidifying Arsenal’s position in the title race.
The excitement for Arsenal fans didn’t stop there. Premier League leaders Liverpool were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park against Newcastle United, thanks to a late Fabian Schär equalizer. This result narrowed the gap between Arsenal and Liverpool at the top of the table, adding extra significance to Arsenal’s victory.
Following the match, Rice was interviewed by Amazon Prime Video. During the conversation, he was informed about Liverpool’s dropped points, an update that could have sparked excitement about Arsenal’s improving title chances. However, Rice’s response highlighted his maturity and understanding of the game.
When the interviewer remarked on the good news of Liverpool’s draw, Rice responded:
“Yeah, it’s good, but look, people get carried away with the title talk, and I was involved in my first one last year. You just need to be in and around it by February time. It’s too early to be calling what’s going on. It’s closed up, but there’s still a long way to go. We’ll keep believing in ourselves.”
Rice’s level-headed reply demonstrated his focus on maintaining consistent performance rather than getting swept up in early-season speculation. His experience with high-pressure situations, likely referencing his time at West Ham and their European campaigns, has clearly shaped his perspective on competing for titles.
This moment encapsulates why Rice has become a crucial figure for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta—he not only brings quality on the pitch but also leadership and composure off it.