‘Hopefully 2025 brings trophies’ says Rice as Gunners go second

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice is aiming to win trophies in the new year after helping the Gunners move into second place in the Premier League with a victory over Ipswich.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has finished second in the league behind Manchester City for the past two seasons and now sit six points behind leaders Liverpool heading into 2025.

The team is also performing well in the Champions League and has a Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle on the horizon.

“It has been a good year. We have done well, but it is not what we want,” said Rice.

“Maybe towards the end [of last season] we did feel that pressure”

Declan Rice on being the chasers for the Premier League title… 🏆#PLonPrime pic.twitter.com/Rf3cOxfFvb

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 27, 2024

“Hopefully, the new year brings trophies. To make that next step to be amongst the elite. We can keep winning games, but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t win anything.”

Kai Havertz scored the winning goal against Ipswich, securing Arsenal’s eighth win in 11 games since consecutive defeats in November.

Despite their strong form, Rice acknowledges that Arsenal will need other teams to help by taking points off Liverpool, who are relentless in their pursuit of the title and face West Ham next.

“Massive respect to them. They are full throttle.,” Rice said.

“They don’t let anyone breathe and we need someone to help us out so they can drop some points.

“I think Chelsea have been outstanding. They’ve been amazing the way they’ve been playing.”