‘I really don’t’: Arsenal sent Declan Rice message they don’t want to hear

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Shay Given says Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal won’t win the Premier League title with Declan Rice this season.

The former Manchester City goalkeeper doesn’t think Declan Rice, following his club-record transfer, is the missing piece of the jigsaw.

On Saturday, Rice made his Arsenal debut in the Premier League and Given added that he looked ‘very comfortable’ and he ‘didn’t do anything wrong’ during his side’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, as he told PL Productions (12/08/23 at 8:10 PM). 

But these opening exchanges aren’t what’s going to make or break Arsenal in the title race, it’s what they do during the final few months.

They have proven that they can set that platform, and set a very healthy lead, even up until March, but that’s when the champions stand up. 

Arsenal didn’t last season and they crumbled, including against Rice’s West Ham when they blew a 2-0 lead.

And now that the England midfielder is on the other side, Given can’t see things changing, as he backed Manchester City for glory again.

“He’s their star player,” said Given. “He’s maybe come in to be the player to make the difference in them winning the league. 

“It’s a big price tag. But he didn’t do anything wrong (against Forest). He’s very comfortable. We have known him playing in the Premier League for a good few years now. 

“Is he the difference to get them the hands on the title? I just don’t know if Arsenal are going to be able to challenge Man City. I really don’t. Even with the quality Declan Rice has. He breaks things up well. He is also a leader in the pack. A talker in a young team. I think he had a really good game.

“I still don’t think he is the missing piece to win the title, I really don’t.”

Arsenal improve depth in defence

The club’s lack of depth in quality cost them last season and they can’t afford to be shot down with the same issues if they are at the top of the table again in March.

That’s where Arteta will be hoping Rice and Jurrien Timber – who has made a very good start to his Arsenal career – make that difference.

What happens if Thomas Partey gets injured? Or William Saliba? That’s when Arsenal’s depth in quality needs to stand up tall, or else, they will have to wait even longer to become champions of England again.