Arsenal fell just short in the Premier League title race last season, but they are now challenging again and hoping to go all the way this time.
The Gunners are a stronger team than they were this time last year, and the addition of Declan Rice in the summer has certainly helped in this regard.
Despite a worrying dip in form in December, Mikel Arteta’s side have been flying in 2024, and now have the best defence and goal difference in the league.
Arsenal led the league for the majority of last season before collapsing in the final two months of the campaign, but right now are chasing Liverpool and Manchester City, with just two points separating the top three.
Rice has now claimed that his side have learned from the mistakes they made last season, and are in a stronger position to try and win a first title since 2004.
Declan Rice claims Arsenal have improved from last season
Speaking to The Mirror at the London Football Awards, Rice explained why he believes Arsenal have gone up a level since their title failure last season.
“I think last year, Arsenal were the best team in the league. They slipped up at the end and obviously, City always come on so strong. I think the word that they said now is that they can’t believe they lost the league obviously eight points ahead,” he stated.
“This year, I feel everyone including the manager and the staff, everyone’s learned from their mistakes.
“Everyone’s stronger, they have more belief. If we go a goal down, there’s still that confidence and mental strength in us that we can push on and win games.
“Like I said, the league is so strong this year and anything can happen and there are 12 games to go. The main thing is, we’re right in it. Because at Christmas we had a little wobble, we lost two games on the bounce which wasn’t good.”
Arsenal’s evolution since last season with Declan Rice
Rice has added an extra dimension to Arsenal’s play, and he is a key reason why Arteta’s side are better equipped for a title challenge.
Arteta himself has seemingly learned from his mistakes, and put greater emphasis on defensive control, with chaotic, high-scoring draws derailing Arsenal last season.
Rice’s introduction into the team has made the side far more solid at the back, and this season, Arsenal have lost just once after taking the lead, with the best record in the division in this regard.
Should Arsenal go one step further than last season and secure the title, Rice will have played a huge part with his influence on and off the pitch.
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