Declan Rice sends Arsenal title warning after Wolves draw

Declan Rice has admitted Arsenal held “firm” internal talks after their damaging 2-2 draw at Wolves, warning his team-mates that the Premier League title will not simply be handed to them.

The Gunners let a two-goal lead slip at Molineux on Wednesday night, with Wolves equalising in the 94th minute despite sitting bottom of the table. The result leaves Arsenal vulnerable at the top, particularly with Manchester City holding a game in hand.

Speaking to The Sun, Rice made clear the squad understood the magnitude of the setback.

“We’re not going to be handed it, we need to go and win it, we need to deserve it and we need to be ready for anything that is thrown at us,” Rice said.

“We spoke to each other in a firm way after Wolves, we knew we’d let ourselves and the fans down after being in such a good position. Letting it slip is not the standards that we have set ourselves this season. We had a team meeting and we are ready to go again.”

The dropped points continue a stuttering run, with Arsenal managing just two wins in their last seven league fixtures. Having led the table for much of the campaign, the margin for error is tightening as the season enters its decisive phase.

Manchester City, who have overhauled Arsenal in previous title races under Pep Guardiola, could close the gap to two points if they capitalise on their match in hand.

Despite the late collapse, Mikel Arteta maintained the squad’s scheduled day off on Thursday, signalling trust rather than panic inside the dressing room.

Rice also called for unity during the run-in.

“At this stage of the season we need the supporters with us more than ever,” he said. “We’ve come this far together. Now is not the time to be turning against each other.

“We need everyone on the same page, same path, keep fighting for these players, for this club. Keep believing in us, keep pushing us and hopefully we can bring some special things with everyone’s help.”

Arsenal’s schedule offers little breathing space. They travel to the Etihad Stadium on 18 April in what could prove a defining league encounter. Before that, they face Manchester City again in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium next month, an opportunity to secure silverware while the title race intensifies.

“There is a long way to go, there’s still a lot to be positive about,” Rice added. “We’re still having an amazing season and we can’t let any outside noise disturb that.”

Arsenal must quickly rediscover consistency to prevent momentum swinging fully towards Manchester City. Upcoming league fixtures before the Etihad trip will shape the narrative, while the Carabao Cup final offers a chance to secure a trophy and restore confidence. With margins tight at the summit, every result between now and April will carry added weight.

Have Arsenal shown enough resilience to hold off City this time?