Arsenal’s Rice admits mixed feelings ahead of West Ham clash

Declan Rice has talked up his time with West Ham United, but insisted Arsenal have a job to do against his old club this weekend.

For most people associated with Arsenal Football Club, the task for the remainder of May is very simple. The Gunners need to win four games to earn two trophies, starting with Sunday’s match away to West Ham United.

But there’s a cost to that quest for Declan Rice, with a win over the Hammers leaving his former club at significant risk of relegation.

Arsenal likely can’t afford to drop points if they want to win the Premier League, but nor can West Ham if they want to stay up. Rice told reports on Tuesday night that he’s sad to see the position the Hammers are in, but he can’t afford to be emotional.

“It’s a club that gave me everything,” Rice said. “Without West Ham, there’s no me and I honestly believe that. They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn’t and a lot of people there really did push me on.

“[David] Moyes, Slaven Bilić, [Manuel] Pellegrini made me captain. Loads of good things about that club. It’s not nice to see they position they’re in. But it’s football and I have a job to do on Sunday.

“We’re trying to win a Premier League title and it’s the business end of the season, so we want to win every game and I’m sure they want to win every game too. So, yeah, may the best team win.”

Manchester City will be up first as the title race continues, playing against Brentford on Saturday. Pep Guardiola’s side would come within two points of Arsenal with a win, but any further dropped points would have serious implications for their title challenge.

In fairness, with Brentford chasing a European spot, they won’t be any more willing to do City a favour than West Ham will with Arsenal. At this point in the season, there’s no room for error.

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