Declan Rice has backed Eberechi Eze to have a decisive say during the Premier League run-in after the Arsenal midfielder’s match-winning performance against Newcastle. The Gunners returned to the top of the table, albeit having played a game more than Manchester City, following a narrow 1-0 win at an anxious Emirates Stadium.
Eze, who came within a whisker of scoring a vital goal that would have put his side ahead in last week’s summit meeting at the Etihad Stadium, added to his growing portfolio of stunning strikes with the only goal of the game after just nine minutes. The home side failed to build on that early advantage, however, and were forced to hang on for a nervous victory that moved them three points clear of their nearest rivals.
Mikel Arteta’s levels of anxiety were hardly helped by the sight of Kai Havertz and Eze both picking up injuries that have rendered them doubts for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid. Eze, in particular, appears to be hitting form at the right time of the season, and Rice admits he and his teammates can ill-afford to be without the summer recruit from Crystal Palace.
‘That’s what he’s been brought here to do,’ said Rice when asked for his assessment of Eze’s thunderbolt from the edge of the penalty area. ‘I said a few weeks ago, his ball striking is unbelievable. What a player, what a guy, and he’s going to be massive for us these next few weeks. We really need him.’
Rice, meanwhile, insisted Arsenal were ready to remain at the top of the Premier League until the bitter end. Arsenal could double their advantage when they face Fulham at the Emirates next weekend, with Pep Guardiola’s side next in action at Everton on Monday, May 4. Matches against West Ham, Burnley, and Crystal Palace will follow for the Gunners as they bid to win their first title in 22 years.
And despite allowing City back into the championship race, Rice said the mood in the Arsenal camp was only positive. ‘That’s 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,’ he said. ‘There are 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. The three points against Newcastle were massive. After the week we had against Manchester City, we knew with five games left, we have to win all five. To tick that one off was a real boost, so we’re really, really happy with the win.’
