Declan Rice points to Champions League run as reason for Arsenal's Premier League blip - 'We've been poor'
Published 18/05/2025 at 19:51 GMT+1
Declan Rice fired another stunning shot from outside the box as he scored the only goal in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Newcastle United to clinch UEFA Champions League football for next term. The Gunners have all-but guaranteed themselves a second-placed finish in the Premier League, but Rice pointed towards their Champions League run to the semi-finals as the reason for their poor form in the league.
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Declan Rice admitted that Arsenal have been "poor" this season as he opened up on his expectations for his club's summer transfer activity.
Rice fired in the only goal of the game at The Emirates with yet another stunning shot from outside the box.
It was an important win that confirmed their return to the Champions League, in which they made it to the semi-finals this season, but Rice admitted the club had higher hopes for the campaign.
"We've been poor by our standards the last few weeks in the Premier League," Rice admitted.
"We went so hard in the Champions League that our form dropped in the Premier League, that happens sometimes. But Newcastle are such an in-form side and we've lost three games to them this year. The manager's message before the game was clear, make it personal and I think we did today.
"The first half was a bit of a slow start but we grew into the game and we showed that grit, and three points at home, it was a nice day to top it off."
Arsenal suffered those three aforementioned losses to Eddie Howe's side this season, and Rice's goal was the first that The Gunners managed to put past The Magpies in all four fixtures.
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With Manchester City missing out on a fifth consecutive title, it was set up for Arsenal to graduate from runner-ups to champions after finishing second two years in a row.
That did not happen as Liverpool romped to the title, but the win over Newcastle was described as "massive" by Rice for Mikel Arteta's squad.
"We're Premier League footballers, we have to be at that level every single week," Rice added. "We felt like we had such a good chance in the Champions League, and with the league it kind of slipped away a few weeks ago. It was really tough to take. But today to win was massive, and obviously Newcastle are such a good side."
His goal was his ninth in all competitions and this season has been Rice's best in front of goal so far.
"About time I started scoring frequently," Rice said. "I like that finish a lot where I can whip it on top of the ball across the 'keeper. It was a special moment and I'm really happy."
And whilst his individual form has continued to soar, Rice admitted it was "really difficult" to sum up the team's season after another year without silverware.
"After coming so close last year in the Prem, this year we were, by our standards, poor, let's be real," Rice said. "To go out of every other cup competition and the Champions League, with the team we've got and the manager we've got. We need to be competing for titles and we can't be taking anything for granted.
"Next year we'll be back for more and we'll strengthen in the summer. We'll sign more players because we're probably going to lose a few as well. We're going to come back next year stronger and be hungry to win something for this club and that's what we all want."
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‘We need to make it happen’ – Arteta admits Arsenal need to win a trophy ‘big time’
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'WE HAVE TO START CREATING OUR OWN HISTORY'
Gunners boss Arteta added that the next step for Arsenal will be creating history, and believes that his crop of players have the talent to bring silverware back to the club.
Their last major trophy came in 2020 when they beat Chelsea 2-1 in the FA Cup final, and they followed that up by winning the Community Shield later that year.
"We had a dream, it was to be here or in a week's time and bring the big trophies to you guys and we couldn't do it for many circumstances," Arteta said on the pitch after beating Newcastle.
"We need to make sure that chasing a dream doesn't get blurry and make sure we chase the dream with positivity and enthusiasm for next season.
"We have to start creating our own history here in this stadium and we started this season. There is much more to come and it won't be easy. These players have the talent.
"We need to rest and finish at Southampton and then go on holiday."
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