´The Etihad is the ultimate test´ – Rice relishing Man City title clash

Declan Rice called Arsenal’s upcoming trip to the Etihad Stadium “the ultimate test” as the Gunners prepare for a huge fixture in the title race.

Following last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth, Arsenal are just six points clear at the summit, and they have played a game more than second-placed Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta’s side did regain some momentum during the week, qualifying for the semi-finals of the Champions League, but they did so via a dull goalless draw against Sporting CP at home, having won the first leg 1-0 in Portugal.

Arsenal have lost their last three matches in domestic competitions, against City in the EFL Cup final, Southampton in the FA Cup, and Bournemouth in the Premier League.

They last lost four consecutively in February and March 2018, and that run included defeats to City in the EFL Cup final and Premier League.

Rice admitted their performances must improve, but he believes Arsenal are ready for a crucial battle against Pep Guardiola’s team on Sunday.

“There’s no beating around the bush. We have to perform better than we did against Bournemouth and you can say tonight [against Sporting] as well,” said Rice.

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“Recently, we probably have made many more errors than we had done in previous weeks. It’s about doing the basics to a better level – just the five, 10-yard passes that we’re giving away a bit sloppily.

“The Etihad is the ultimate test – but it’s why we play this game. So, bring it on.

“When you’re a kid watching games and when you’re watching the Premier League, you see these big matches, these title-defining moments and it comes down to whether you’re going to be ready and how much you want it.

“They’ve obviously been in really good form recently. No one’s going to hand you anything in this league.

“To go there and win would be a massive statement and, look, these boys are ready. We spoke as a group. We know what’s required.”

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games against City (W2 D3), having lost 12 in a row against them before this.

However, City are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League home games against the Gunners (W7 D3) since a 2-0 loss in January 2015 under Manuel Pellegrini.