Declan Rice spoke with authority and pride after the final whistle, summing up a night that tested Arsenal both tactically and mentally. The midfielder was quick to acknowledge Chelsea’s improvement under their new manager, praising the London rivals for causing serious problems throughout the match. A surprise change in formation, he admitted, forced Arsenal to adapt on the fly and defend with real discipline.
Rice noted that on another night, Chelsea might have found the net, but highlighted the outstanding performance of Arsenal’s back line. Their resilience, organisation, and composure under pressure proved decisive when it mattered most. According to Rice, these are exactly the moments that define a team’s character.
He emphasized the hunger within the squad, describing a group fully prepared to face any opponent, regardless of the physical or psychological challenges thrown at them. Matches against Chelsea, he explained, demand total focus and strength, as they test every aspect of a team’s mentality.
Looking at the bigger picture, Rice reflected on Arsenal’s journey over the past few seasons. After coming close without quite getting over the line, he believes this campaign feels different. There is, in his words, extra desire and fire driving the team forward. Reaching a cup final with Arsenal, Rice concluded, is special—but the ambition goes even further.
