Declan Rice reveals what sets Arsenal apart from Premier League title rivals

View 2 Images

Declan Rice claims that Arsenal’s lack of long-term injuries has seen them move ahead of their rivals in the race for the Premier League title. The Gunners are currently in prime position to lift the trophy come the end of the season.

Arsenal sit seven points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City with eight games to be played. Should they go all the way, it would see the club end their over two-decade wait for a league title, while it would see them finally get over the line having been pipped in each of the last two campaigns.

Midfielder Rice has suggested that Arsenal’s lack of injuries has seen them put themselves in control. Speaking to Hayters, he said: “Last year, the injuries killed us.

"I know a lot of teams this year have been having the same problem, so I can't complain about that, but we lost a lot of key players last year. We have an amazing squad this year. Players you can rely on in every position.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

“Also, there’s a calmness. You go in every day, you see the boys. It’s not all serious. It’s calm, it’s relaxed.

"It's like a family. You're going in, everyone’s in their early 20s, no one’s really above 30. Everyone's vibing. It's a nice group to be around.

"We have such a good set of staff all around the building, every department. So everything’s been really good from start to start to now. We’re getting into the business end, which is the most important part now."

Arsenal have of course had to deal with a few issues this season; Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino and William Saliba all among those to have had lengthy periods on the sidelines.

View 2 Images

And that saw boss Mikel Arteta make a number of changes to his side for the FA Cup fifth round clash with Mansfield Town.

"Well, they had issues and they've been carrying issues," Arteta said when asked to explain his selection decisions. "And the amount of games that we are playing, it's obviously super demanding.

"It was the only time to try to make sure that we can clean those issues that they're having to start the next sequence of two weeks before the break in the best possible way. And we had to make those decisions."

Arsenal turn their attention to the Champions League on Wednesday night with a clash with German side Bayer Leverkusen. They will then be aiming to continue their push for the title as they take on Everton .

Content cannot be displayed without consent