Declan Rice has backed Eberechi Eze to have a decisive say throughout the Premier League run-in after the Arsenal midfielder’s matchwinning performance against Newcastle.
The Gunners returned to the highest of the table, albeit having played a game greater than Manchester City, following a narrow 1-0 win at an anxious Emirates Stadium.
Eze, who got here inside a whisker of scoring vital goal that may have put his side ahead in last week’s summit meeting on the Etihad Stadium, added to his growing portfolio of stunning strikes with the one goal of the sport after just nine minutes.
The house side did not construct on that early advantage, nevertheless, and were forced to hold on for a nervous victory that moved them three points clear of their nearest rivals.
Mikel Arteta’s levels of tension were hardly helped by the sight of Kai Havertz and Eze each picking up injuries which have rendered them doubts of Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Atletico Madrid.
Eze, particularly, appears to be hitting form at the proper time within the season and Rice admits he and his teammates can ill-afford to be without the summer recruit from Crystal Palace.
‘That’s what he’s been brought here to do,’ said Rice when asked for his assessment of Eze’s thunderbolt from the sting of the penalty area.
‘I said just a few weeks ago, his ball striking is unbelievable. What a player, what a man and he’s going to be massive for us these next few weeks. We actually need him.’
Rice, meaanwhile. insisted Arsenal were able to remain at the highest of the Premier League until the bitter end.
Arsenal could double their advantage after they face Fulham on the Emirates next weekend, with Pep Guardiola’s side next in motion at Everton on Monday, May 4.
Matches against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace will follow for the Gunners as they bid to win their first title in 22 years.
And despite allowing City back into the championship race, Rice said the mood within the Arsenal camp was only positive.
‘That’s what it’s been all season and that’s what we would like it to be towards the top of the season – staying top, staying positive,’ he said.
‘There are 4 games to go and that’s what we would like to do, keep winning more matches and we’re going to be ready for that.
‘The three points (against Newcastle) were massive. After the week we had against Manchester City, we knew with five games left, we now have to win all five.
‘To tick that one off was an actual boost, so we’re really, really joyful with the win.’
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