Declan Rice has told Arsenal team-mates they won't be handed the Premier League title after the Gunners let a two-goal lead slip in their 2-2 draw at Wolves on Wednesday night
10:57, 21 Feb 2026
Declan Rice of Arsenal
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Declan Rice has issued a message to his Arsenal teammates(Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
Declan Rice has delivered a stark message to his Arsenal teammates that the Premier League title will not be handed to them, following some "firm" discussions within the squad after their draw at Wolves. The Gunners surrendered a two-goal advantage at Molineux on Wednesday evening, with Wolves – who are bottom of the table – netting their leveller in the 94th minute.
The result means the advantage at the summit could narrow further, with Arsenal managing just two victories in their last seven fixtures.
Arsenal are under mounting pressure to finally cross the finishing line in the Premier League after three consecutive campaigns ending in second place. Whilst they have occupied the top spot for the majority of this season, Manchester City are emerging as an increasingly formidable threat.
Pep Guardiola's side have reeled the Gunners in during previous years and could reduce the deficit to just two points should they capitalise on their match in hand.
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City are also in action ahead of Arsenal this weekend, prompting Rice to deliver an honest assessment to his team-mates about the task ahead, reports the Mirror.
“We’re not going to be handed it, we need to go and win it, we need to deserve it and we need to be ready for anything that is thrown at us," Rice told The Sun.
"We spoke to each other in a firm way after Wolves, we knew we’d let ourselves and the fans down after being in such a good position. Letting it slip is not the standards that we have set ourselves this season. We had a team meeting and we are ready to go again.”
Despite a less than stellar performance and disappointment at Wolves, Mikel Arteta maintained the players' day off on Thursday.
Declan Rice and Kai Havertz of Arsenal talk on the pitch during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on February 07, 2026 in London, England
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Declan Rice and Kai Havertz during Arsenal's clash against Sunderland earlier this month(Image: Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Amid a growing concern among supporters that another opportunity for silverware could slip away, Rice has emphasised the need for unity within the club during these crucial final months.
“At this stage of the season we need the supporters with us more than ever," Rice said. "We’ve come this far together. Now is not the time to be turning against each other.
"We need everyone on the same page, same path, keep fighting (as fans) for these players, for this club. Keep believing in us, keep pushing us and hopefully we can bring some special things with everyone’s help. So let’s keep going.”
The Gunners are set to visit the Etihad on April 18 and will also face City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium next month - an early opportunity to secure a trophy.
"There is a long way to go, there’s still a lot to be positive about, there’s perspective here," Rice added. "We’re still having an amazing season and we can’t let any outside noise disturb that."
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