Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has expressed strong belief that the club can finally end its 22-year wait for a league title by winning the Premier League this season.
Rice, one of the standout performers for the Gunners, said the squad is highly motivated and fully aligned with the vision of manager Mikel Arteta.
Speaking to The Sun, the England international stressed that the team’s hunger and unity have grown stronger as the campaign has progressed.
“So hungry, Rice said. “That’s why I joined this football club. I fully believed in the manager’s vision.”
According to the midfielder, he joined Arsenal because he believed in the manager’s long-term project and the quality within the squad.
“When I was looking at the team from the outside, I fully believe in all of the players and the quality that we had,” he added.
He added that Arteta has provided the players with the tactical structure and platform needed to succeed, but insisted the responsibility now lies with the players to deliver results on the pitch.
“We have only gone from strength to strength with the quality of the squad. But now, it’s on us. I have said the manager gives us everything.”
“He gives us the platform to go and play. It is on us to take the responsibility and go and win.”
Rice noted that there is a strong sense of belief within the dressing room, saying he can feel the “fire in our tummies” to go all the way.
“I can sense that this year, I can feel that fire in our tummies to go and do it,” he said.
Arsenal currently sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, holding a five-point advantage over Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
The North London side last lifted the Premier League trophy in the 2003/2004 season under Arsène Wenger, when the team famously went the entire campaign unbeaten to earn the “Invincibles” tag.