Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has expressed his hope that 2025 will finally bring long-awaited silverware for the Gunners as they strive to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool. Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ipswich on Friday, Arsenal moved up to second in the league table. However, they still trail Liverpool by six points, with Liverpool also holding a crucial game in hand.
Speaking to Amazon Prime after the Ipswich match, Rice emphasized the crucial role of winning trophies in solidifying Arsenal’s position among football’s elite clubs. He articulated the importance of tangible success, stating, “We can keep winning games, but it means nothing if you don’t win anything.” This statement highlights the team’s hunger for silverware and their understanding that consistent victories must translate into trophies. Acknowledging Liverpool’s impressive form under manager Arne Slot, Rice conceded the difficulty of overtaking them, noting, “They don’t let anyone breathe. We need someone to help us out so they can drop points as we focus on ourselves.”
Arsenal’s pursuit of Liverpool has been further complicated by a hamstring injury sustained by star winger Bukayo Saka. Saka, a key player for the Gunners, is expected to be sidelined until at least March, representing a significant loss to their attacking prowess. Rice acknowledged the impact of Saka’s absence, referring to him as their “main man,” but urged other players within the squad to step up and seize the opportunity to make their mark in his absence.
Reflecting on his own performances this season, Rice candidly admitted to a slow start, attributing it to the physical and mental strain of England’s successful run to the Euro 2024 final. However, he expressed renewed confidence in his recent form, stating, “In the last couple of weeks, I’ve found my feet again and I’m feeling back to myself.”
With Liverpool having suffered only one defeat in their 17 Premier League matches this season, Arsenal’s quest to catch the league leaders will require both unwavering resilience and a degree of good fortune. The Gunners are determined to shed their recent history of finishing as runners-up and translate their evident potential into tangible success in the new year.