Declan Rice insists Arsenal are ready to eradicate the hurt from their Carabao Cup final defeat by making a “massive statement” in what he described as the “ultimate test” against Man City at the Etihad on Sunday.The Gunners made sure of their second successive last-four spot in the Champions League for the first time in their history with a 0-0 draw against Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates a week after Kai Havertz’s stoppage-time opening-leg winner in Portugal and will now face Atletico Madrid for a place in the final.
But first, Arsenal are targeting Premier League victory over Manchester City, live on Sky Sports on Sunday, as they look to strengthen their bid for a first Premier League title in 22 years.
Sunday 19th April 4:00pm
Kick off 4:30pm
And after defeat to City in the Carabao Cup at Wembley last month, Rice insists his side are ready for the crunch showdown against Pep Guardiola’s side.”It’s beautiful,” Rice said on Sunday’s clash at the Etihad. “I can’t wait. It’s why we play the game.
“When you’re a kid watching games and when you’re watching the Premier League as a kid, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments. It comes down to if you’re going to be ready and how much do you want it.
“They’ve obviously been in really good form recently. No-one’s going to hand you anything in this league.
There’s been a lot of noise, but, ultimately, it’s down to us as players. It’s why we’re professionals. It’s why we play this game and yes, to go there and win will be a massive statement.”The boys are ready. We spoke as a group and we know what’s required. Bring it on.”
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Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth rounds up the best of the reaction as Arsenal book their place in the Champions League semi-finals following a 0-0 draw at home to Sporting.
On the pain of seeing Man City lift the Carabao Cup final and wanting to reverse that result, Rice added: “It hurts losing every final”We had to show them respect. We shared the pitch for 90 minutes and, ultimately, on the day, they were the better…
2026-04-16 14:00:00
