Declan Rice: Arsenal Deserve Premier League Title This Seasonnewsline24

Arsenal moved within touching distance of the Premier League title after a tight 1-0 win over already-relegated Burnley, settled by Kai Havertz’s first-half header. The result means Arsenal are champions for the first time since 2004 if Manchester City do not beat Bournemouth, while Declan Rice urged calm despite growing celebrations.

If Manchester City win on the south coast, Arsenal can still secure the trophy by defeating Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday. The Opta supercomputer now gives Mikel Arteta’s side an 85.6% chance of lifting the title, and the scenes inside Emirates Stadium suggested many supporters believe the decisive step has almost been taken.

Rice resisted any talk that the title is already decided when speaking to BBC Sport, stressing that the final step still requires full focus. When asked about Arsenal having one hand on the trophy, Rice replied: “Don’t say it like thatJesus! I know how football works. There is a game on tomorrow, anything can happen in that one. We can’t get ahead of ourselves. I’ve played in the Premier League for too long to know that things can happen. The only thing we can control is ourselves, going out there on Sunday and winning that match. That is all we want. We know is at stake for this club.”

The midfielder also spoke about the balance between Arsenal’s strong season and the pressure from Manchester City. Rice said: “I think we deserve to be champions, 100% speaking honestly. This season has been our season, but Man City have been incredible and under Pep [Guardiola] you can never rule them out, the ruthlessness of them. But we have put ourselves in a really good position and all I have been saying is that we have to keep going. There is one more. 38 games nearly completed and at the end you can say you are a champion, but you have to go out there on Sunday and perform because Palace is not going to be easy.”

Against Burnley, Rice again underlined that influence with a dominant all-round display in midfield. Rice had more touches, passes and successful passes than any other player on the pitch, while also contributing heavily without the ball. Only Bukayo Saka matched Rice’s tackling output, underlining how important Rice is in both directions for Arteta’s system.

Rice is widely seen as a leading candidate for the Premier League’s Player of the Season award, yet Rice insisted Arteta deserves the praise for shaping that role. Rice explained: “That has what this manager has developed me into, someone that can play anywhere in midfield. I know the job that is required, he said. There was a lot of mopping up to do tonight, a lot of second balls in front of the back four, starting attacks, giving the ball to the likes of Martin [Odegaard] and Eberechi [Eze]. Whatever the manager wants from me, I will always give 100%. Whatever the role is, however I can adapt and make this team better, I’ll try my best.”

Rice’s numbers against Burnley highlighted that work across several areas of the pitch, from build-up to regains. The figures below show how Rice led the match in several categories, while also contributing key defensive actions in front of the back four throughout the game.

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Rice’s control in midfield complemented an Arsenal defence that has been among the most effective in Europe across the season. Arteta’s side restricted Burnley to very few clear chances, continuing a pattern that has defined Arsenal’s league campaign and kept them competitive with Manchester City until the final weekend.

Arsenal Premier League title race built on defensive strength

Across Europe’s top five leagues in 2025-26, Arsenal have allowed the lowest number of shots, shots on target and expected goals against per match. That defensive record has given Arsenal a consistent platform, often allowing narrow wins like the 1-0 over Burnley to be enough in the title race.

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Arsenal’s sustained form at the top level is also reflected in how often Arteta’s side have finished a day leading the Premier League. Monday marked yet another occasion where Arsenal ended the night on top of the table, with that figure stretching far beyond any other English club across the last four seasons.