Midfielder Declan Rice has opened up about the warning he received from Bukayo Saka when he first completed his move to Arsenal, admitting the message about facing Tottenham Hotspur was delivered loud and clear.
The Gunners head across north London on Sunday, determined to steady the ship after surrendering a two-goal lead in a frustrating 2-2 draw away at Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in the week. Despite remaining top of the Premier League standings, the dropped points prevented them from opening a significant gap over reigning champions Manchester City.
Arsenal appeared to be in full control at Molineux after early strikes from Saka and Piero Hincapie gave them a comfortable advantage. However, late goals from Hugo Bueno and Tom Edozie stunned Mikel Arteta’s men and forced them to settle for a draw that felt like a defeat.
The upcoming derby now presents a timely opportunity for a statement performance. Arsenal have not tasted defeat against Spurs in competitive fixtures since 2022, and Rice believes there is no better stage for a reaction than the rivalry that defines the club’s season.
Derby Standards Set Early
Rice, who joined Arsenal in 2023, revealed that Saka wasted no time in outlining what truly matters in N5.
He recalled being told directly: You cannot lose to Tottenham. For supporters, staff, and players alike, it is the fixture that carries emotional weight beyond league position.
Since swapping West Ham for the Emirates Stadium, Rice has maintained an unbeaten personal record against Spurs. His most recent defeat in the derby came during the 2022–23 campaign while captaining the Hammers.
Now fully immersed in Arsenal’s culture, the England international insists Sunday’s clash offers the perfect platform to silence critics questioning the squad’s mentality.
Although Arsenal still sit five points clear at the summit, they have played one match more than City, who could narrow the deficit with a victory over Newcastle United. Outside voices have begun to question whether the Gunners can sustain their title charge, but Rice remains adamant that belief within the dressing room has not wavered.
He stressed that the derby represents a defining moment, not because the season hinges on one match, but because it offers a chance to demonstrate resilience. According to Rice, the squad’s mindset has been consistently strong throughout the campaign, and a single setback will not undo months of progress.
Arteta Rejects ‘Bottle’ Claims
Head coach Mikel Arteta has also moved quickly to dismiss suggestions that his team lacks the nerve required to secure silverware.
Responding to accusations that Arsenal are prone to faltering under pressure, Arteta insisted that such terminology does not reflect his perspective. He acknowledged that criticism is inevitable after dropping points but maintained that setbacks must be accepted and addressed professionally.
The Spaniard emphasised that what matters most is the response, underlining his confidence in the group’s character. For him, the immediate focus lies not on narratives but on writing the next chapter of the campaign through action on the pitch.
Tottenham, meanwhile, enters the contest under new leadership following managerial changes earlier this month. Sitting 16th in the table and hovering dangerously above the relegation zone, Spurs are battling for stability as much as pride.
Arsenal, by contrast, remains in contention on multiple fronts. Following the derby, they face further league tests against Chelsea and Brighton before shifting attention to cup competitions, including a trip to Mansfield Town in the FA Cup and a Carabao Cup showdown with Manchester City.
Earlier this season, the Gunners delivered a dominant display in the first north London derby encounter, emphatically overwhelming their rivals. Replicating that intensity on enemy territory would not only reinforce their title ambitions but also reaffirm the mentality Rice insists already defines the squad.
With pressure mounting and scrutiny intensifying, Arsenal’s message is simple: derby day is not a moment to shrink — it is a moment to respond.
