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Declan Rice makes Arsenal title-race claim

Declan Rice has admitted he believes Arsenal need to win all of their remaining games if they want to win the Premier League this season.

Erling Haland of Manchester City shakes the hand of Gabriel of Arsenal as Declan Rice looks on before the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Following Arsenal’s win over Newcastle United on Saturday, Declan Rice spoke to the media about the game and the remaining fixtures between now and the end of the season.

The midfielder admitted it was very important for Arsenal to get the win, as he believes the team need to win all of their remaining fixtures if they’re going to lift the Premier League trophy at the end.

“The three points were massive today,” Rice said. “After the week we had against Manchester City, there was a lot of encouragement to take from that game, but we knew coming into this, with five games left, we have to win all five. 

“To tick that one off today was a real boost, so we’re really, really happy with the win today.”

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Declan Rice during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on February 07, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Rice added that he believes the Arsenal camp remain positive, and that they’re prepared for the challenge of a 100% end to the campaign.

“That [positivity] is what it’s been all season, and that’s what we want it to be towards the end of the season, staying top, staying positive,” Rice added.

“Four games to go, and that’s what we want to do, keep winning more matches, and we’re going to be ready for that. 

“We’ve played in tough games in the last three or four years at the highest level, so we know what to expect, what’s to come. We’re Champions League semi-finalists, let’s embrace it, enjoy it, and bring it on.”

Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Arsenal Stadium on March 17, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

As Rice mentions, the next task is playing back in the Champions League, with Arsenal facing a trip to Madrid to face Atletico in their semi-final first leg in midweek.

The first leg could be pivotal, as Arsenal will either return to the Emirates knowing any result will be enough to progress, or needing to break down a Simeone Atletico team who know they have one foot in the final.

There’s no time to dwell on Saturday’s win, full focus now has to turn to the next one.

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