Declan Rice: Arsenal have ‘desire and fire’ to finally win trophies

Declan Rice insists that Arsenal have what it takes to go one step further and win trophies after reaching the League Cup final.

The Gunners beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night thanks to a late Kai Havertz goal on the counter, securing a 4-2 victory on aggregate.

Rice praised the Blues for their efforts in the semi-final second leg and the improvements they have made since Liam Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca as head coach.

“Credit to Chelsea to be fair,” the midfielder told ITV after the final whistle. “Since their new manager has come in they’ve been really, really good.

“They changed the formation tonight and gave us problems. On another night they could have scored but credit where it is due, our defence was incredible.

“We have a group who really want it. Whatever team comes at us, we’re ready for it. When you play a team like Chelsea they throw so many things at you physically and mentally.

“You’ve got to have that resilience to stay strong and keep going.

Mikel Arteta – Arsenal ‘have been waiting years’ for a cup final

Declan Rice: Arsenal have ‘desire and fire’ to finally win trophies

Arsenal have not won a major trophy since beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final in 2020 during Mikel Arteta’s first season in charge. But Rice believes this is the year they end that drought.

“We deserve it,” he added. “The last three or four years we’ve been at the top of the Premier League competing and got really close but haven’t been good enough.

“That’s why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our bellies to go one step further in every competition. There’s a long way to go but to be a cup final with this club is amazing.”

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