Declan Rice explains one non-negotiable ‘fuming’ Arteta set Arsenal squad recently

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Journalist Jordan Davies has now revealed one thing that Declan Rice claims Mikel Arteta demands from his Arsenal players.

Declan Rice has stressed that Mikel Arteta impresses the importance of body language onto his Arsenal squad.

The Gunners boss is adamant that his players ought to conduct themselves on the pitch in a certain way. He expects his Arsenal stars to remain positive and show fighting spirit even when the odds are against them.

The north London club have certainly shown that fighting spirit in recent weeks. After a poor run of form around the turn of the year, which saw them lose their place at the top of the table, Arteta took his Arsenal squad on a trip to Dubai. Since their return from the Gulf state, the Gunners have come roaring back into the title race, winning seven Premier League matches on the spin, and scoring 31 goals in that time whilst conceding just 3.

Positive body language can regularly be witnessed amongst the Gunners’ defensive contingent. Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, and David Raya will still passionately celebrate every block, tackle, and save, even when the game is already all but won in terms of the scoreline. This underlines their professional mentality and commitment to the cause. Jakub Kiwior was recently spotted taking part in these defensive celebrations, which was taken to mean that he now feels comfortable and settled at Arsenal.

Declan Rice says Mikel Arteta demands positive body language

Rice has now spoken out about Arteta’s fixation with body language. As conveyed by Jordan Davies on The Arsenal Beat podcast, “Declan Rice mentioned in the mixed zone that Mikel Arteta just loves body language, he can’t get enough of it, and I remember he was fuming at them after the Fulham game on New Years’ Eve about their body language. Every time they missed a shot or missed a chance, their body would go down and they’d look upset, and it would effect the whole team.”

Arteta has always preached the importance of togetherness and unity, and clearly wants to see that on the pitch. If the players’ body language remains positive on the field, that will also help to engage the fans in the stands. The supporters are capable of spurring on the team and lifting their energy levels. It ought to be a symbiotic relationship, where the two groups feed off of one another.

This body language issue is clearly a non-negotiable from Arteta’s perspective. It is also something that is certain to be put to the test as the pressure in the current title race continues to mount. There will be moments of disappointment and frustration, there will be anxiety and desperation. It will be fascinating to see how this group of players cope on that emotional rollercoaster.