Something So Different About Arsenal, Why The Gunners Are A More Serious Title Contenders this Season

 

Declan Rice has shared what he thinks is completely ‘different’ about Arsenal this season.

Speaking to NBC Sports after netting a late winner against Luton last night, the Arsenal star feels Mikel Arteta’s men are more composed in big moments.

The Gunners picked up a 4-3 win at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday thanks to a last-minute Declan Rice header.

Arsenal were once again way below their best, especially at the back as they conceded three avoidable goals.

Indeed, Ally McCoist admitted he was shocked to see Arteta’s side ship three goals at Luton. But as has been the case on many occasions this season, Arsenal found a way to grind out a win.

And Rice feels that Arsenal are a different team this time around after missing out on the title last season.

Rice on what’s different about Arsenal this season

“I think, last year, they were eight points clear and obviously lost the title,” Rice said. “This year there definitely seems to be a different feel around the place in terms of being stern, you know, being steady, being composed in big moments.

“Obviously tonight, Luton Town caused us a massive threat and it looked like we were going to drop points. But this season, it’s that never-say-die attitude that we’ve got that we keep pushing, keep fighting to the end. And I think that’s our fifth goal in added time.”

“I think we should start scoring some a bit earlier,” he joked. “But to score in added time, it shows what we’re made of and we’ll never stop believing.”

Rice may have a point about Arsenal being a different side this season. Arteta’s men got off to a blistering start last time out but failed to maintain their form towards the business end of the campaign.

Yet, Arsenal haven’t even hit top gear yet and they continue to pick up wins in the Premier League.

The Gunners find themselves five points clear at the top of the table and you’d imagine the best is yet to come from Arteta’s side.