Declan Rice Calls for Focus Amid Title Race Challenge

omidbasir- Declan Rice has urged Arsenal to “block out the external noise” while emphasizing the need for his teammates to remain composed after the team missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 1-1 draw against Brentford.

In the match at Gtech Community Stadium, Noni Madueke’s 61st-minute header initially put the Gunners ahead, but Keane Lewis-Potter equalized just ten minutes later. As a result, Arsenal now holds a four-point lead over second-placed Manchester City.

This draw represents a notable shift in the title race, as Arsenal appeared poised for a nine-point advantage before Manchester City mounted a comeback to secure a victory against Liverpool and followed it up with a 3-0 win over Fulham.

Arsenal struggled to overcome a determined Brentford team that is having a strong season under coach Keith Andrews, marking their only two wins in the last six matches.

The Gunners are eager to break their streak of three consecutive second-place finishes as they aim for their first league title since 2004.

“In this journey, you are never going to maintain peak performance for seventy games in a season, but you must strive to be at your best,” Rice stated. “The small details and the basics are crucial. This season has been a rollercoaster, and it would be naïve to assume it would be straightforward.

“We are competing against top teams week in and week out. We have to continue pushing ourselves and believing, while focusing on what we can control.

“It is essential for us to block out the external noise. We have been effective in doing so. While discussions around the title race and Arsenal’s chances will persist, we have a composed group.

“I do not underestimate Brentford; they are a formidable team, as their recent performances illustrate. Although we aimed for victory, we view this as a point gained on our journey.”