LONDON — Declan Rice insisted Arsenal was ready to remain at the top of the English Premier League until the bitter end after they reclaimed the summit off Manchester City.
Eberechi Eze’s ninth-minute strike was enough for the Gunners to see out a much-needed 1-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium as they ended City’s three-day stay at the top of the table.
Arsenal are now three points clear of their rivals – having played a game more – and they 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,” he added according to PA Media.
Prior to their home match with Fulham, Arsenal will head to Spain for the opening leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Arsenal, who last featured in a Champions League final in 2006, have never won the competition.
But Rice added: “We’ve played in tough games in the last three or four years at the highest level, so we know what to expect and what’s to come.
