Mikel Arteta has credited Declan Rice with sparking Arsenal's remarkable turnaround after the midfielder's defiant message following a devastating defeat at Manchester City last month. Rice was seen mouthing 'it's not done' on television after the loss, which left Arsenal's season on the brink of despair as they lost the lead in the title race three days later.
Since then, Arsenal have responded with two straight wins against Newcastle and Fulham, and also reached the Champions League final. The pressure is now back on title rivals Manchester City, and Arsenal could end up winning both major trophies in what would be an unforgettable season.
Arteta said: 'I think that was the start of the sentence. I think it's not done and we're more confident that we're going to do it. That was the feeling without them even needing to express it in the dressing room but I felt it immediately.' He added that the team's will to win is driving them forward as they prepare for Sunday's crucial match against West Ham.
The Gunners boss also confirmed that Mikel Merino and Jurrien Timber are facing a race against time to play again this season, with no chance of featuring at the weekend. However, Arteta remains focused on the task ahead, urging his players to channel their energy in the right way as they aim to finish the job.
