09 November 2023 , 00:51
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Arsenal ace Declan Rice revealed that manager Mikel Arteta made clear the Gunners could not afford a third successive defeat when they faced off with Sevilla on Wednesday night.
The two teams met at the Emirates for the fourth game of the Champions League group stage campaign and it was the hosts who ran out 2-0 winners. Goals from Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka either side of half-time were enough to separate the sides, though the Gunners rarely had to get out of second gear to end their recent slump.
Coming into this game, Arsenal's previous two results came in the form of a 3-1 Carabao Cup defeat by West Ham, followed by a dramatic 1-0 loss away at Newcastle on Sunday. In turn, another slip-up would have seen the pressure ramp up on the Gunners.
However, after the game Rice shed light on a pre-match warning from Arteta as he told TNT Sports: "Tough game. We knew what to expect and we knew it was a big night. We wanted to get three points on the board, that was key.
"After the upset in the cup and on the weekend, a club like Arsenal can't be losing three games in a row. The manager made that clear. Sometimes when you're playing against a back five it's hard to break down but we kept persisting."
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Rice's start at Arsenal has been nothing short of sensational and he enjoyed another stellar display against Sevilla. For the overwhelming majority of the game, the midfield maestro boasted a 100 percent pass completion rate and dictated proceedings from the middle of the park.
The England international was pressed for comment on how he is adjusting to life in north London and where he feels he is best deployed. "I've just been taking it game by game," Rice added. "I don't want to be boring but every time I put the shirt on I try to start well. I want to do the best I can for the team. There's more I can still add. But it's been a good start. I'm excited for what's to come.
HAVE YOUR SAY!What is Rice's best position for Arsenal? Comment below
Declan Rice was in fine form for Arsenal against Sevilla"I think my best position is probably as a No. 6. As a number No. 8 I do get a bit excited. My biggest strength is breaking up the play and taking the ball from deep. I do get excited when I play number 8 though. I get to show the other side of my game. I didn't stop running tonight!"
Rice even offered up a comment on the touchline antics of his boss, a topic which has dominated the back pages in recent days. He added: "We love it. You see how passionate Mikel Arteta is. He's living the game through us. He's so energetic. It really fires us up for the game."