Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is relishing this Sunday's crunch Premier League title clash at Manchester City after helping the Gunners reach the Champions League semi-finals
Declan Rice
Declan Rice wants Arsenal to make a statement in the Premier League title race at Man City
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Declan Rice stayed behind for Manchester City's Carabao Cup trophy lift - but he could not bare to watch. Now he's using last month's Wembley agony to fuel his pursuit of the Premier League title with Arsenal.
He said ahead of Sunday's unmissable season-defining grudge match at the Etihad Stadium: "It hurts losing every final but we had to show them respect.
"We shared the pitch for 90 minutes and ultimately on the day they were the better team. It would have been wrong for us to walk inside and not show that respect. To see them lift that, it did hurt.
"There is that fire in the stomach to eradicate that on the weekend. We have six games to go in the Premier League. We know how big it is."
Speaking specifically on his mindset ahead of the contest, Rice is evidently relishing the challenge that lies ahead.
He continued: "It’s beautiful, I can’t wait. It’s why we play the game. When you’re a kid watching games and when you’re watching the Premier League, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments.
"It comes down to if you’re going to be ready and how much do you want it? They’ve obviously been in really good form recently. No one’s going to hand you anything in this league.
"There’s been a lot of noise. But ultimately, it’s down to us as players. That’s why we’re professionals. That’s why we play this game.
"To go there and win would be a massive statement. And look, these boys are ready. We spoke as a group. We know what’s required. So yeah, bring it on."
Declan Rice
Declan Rice captained Arsenal on Wednesday evening against Sporting
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Despite Arsenal's six-point advantage at the top of the table, the odds appear to be stacked in City's favour this weekend.
In their past three matches, Pep Guardiola's red-hot challengers have stuck nine goals past the Gunners, Liverpool and Chelsea without conceding while energy-sapped Arsenal have looked leggy and have laboured to just one win in their last five games.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta is also sweating on the fitness of crocked quartet Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori.
Mikel Arteta'
Mikel Arteta's side now turn attention back to the Premier League title race
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Rice, however, has eased concern he's also battling a fitness issue after shaking off an illness to face Sporting. He continued: "I’m fully fit but I’ve been ill the last two days. I’ve been in bed not well.
"So to get out tonight, obviously I perked up this morning enough to be able to play. I wasn’t at 100 per cent, but [I wanted] to help this team out.
"There was no way I was missing a quarter-final to try and get to a semi-final. I was well enough to be able to go out there and play tonight. But yes, just a little illness and I’m over it now. So yeah, on to Sunday."
Rice makes no secret of the fact Arsenal need their top stars fit if they are to make something of their season.
He continued: "I think we want those players back. We need them back. They are three of our biggest and best players and we’ve missed them a lot this year in big games."
Declan Rice
Declan Rice was left frustrated by Arsenal's 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday
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Whatever happens on Sunday, Arsenal now have a Champions League semi-final showdown against Atletico Madrid pencilled in.
Having already thumped Diego Simeone's men 4-0 during the group phase - there's an underlying confidence the Gunners can reach Budapest.
Still, Rice does not want Arsenal to get complacent, stating: "That was a tough game [against Atletico in October]. Up until the 60th minute, it was 0-0 and we went on to win 4-0.
"So that is how football can turn on its head in big moments. I think they’re a different team to when we played them.
"They’ve had a lot of confidence to beat Barcelona over two legs. It shows they’re a really good side. So look, we need to be up for it, but ultimately it comes down to how much do you want to get to a final?
"How much do you want to get to Budapest - and play whoever you play. So yes, a long way to go, but we’ll be ready."
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