Arsenal will likely look to Rice again for his leadership qualities. — Reuters
ARSENAL have moved from a side challenging for the title to an outfit looking over their shoulder desperately while trying to hang on to second place.
Such is the competitive nature of the English Premier League that by the end of this weekend, the Gunners’ cushion over third place could be reduced to just a single point.
Chelsea, whom they clash with tomorrow at the Emirates, could be a mere three points adrift – with all of them having played the same number of games.
Liverpool have stretched their lead at the top of the table to 15 points over Arsenal, who have played one game fewer than the champions-elect.
Indeed, Mikel Arteta and his Gunners squad could cut that difference back to 12 points, given that Liverpool are in the Carabao League Cup final tomorrow where they will meet Newcastle United.
Arteta’s charges coasted into the quarter-finals of the Champions League with a 9-3 aggregate win over Dutch side PSV Eindhoven midweek.
That sort of form coupled with a gritty rearguard should serve them nicely against the Blues.
Arteta will be looking to his senior players to hold the side together as they bid to finish runners-up.
Declan Rice, who has been solid since his arrival from West Ham in July 2023 and who was on the scoresheet against Eindhoven this week, could prove crucial to the Gunners’ performance tomorrow.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, who was criticised for the poor performance in their victory over Leicester last weekend, will be keen on a more polished showing against opposition they consider equals.
The Blues could certainly give Arsenal a lesson or two in football artistry, but they often underperform with one of the strongest squads anywhere in the world.
Of course, the prospect of having Arsenal within three points could motivate them for the win. — By SHAUN ORANGE
