The defiant message Declan Rice sent to Premier League rivals trying to mimic Arsenal’s corners

Declan Rice has addressed several key talking points around Arsenal’s title push, their controversial set-piece dominance and his own development in a wide-ranging interview.

The midfielder reflected on a season that could become the most significant of his career.

Arsenal currently sit in a strong position domestically while remaining contenders in multiple competitions.

Rice believes the team’s set-piece success has become misunderstood in the wider football conversation.

The Gunners have scored heavily from corners and dead-ball situations this season.

Their efficiency has drawn praise from some quarters and criticism from others.

Rice insists the process behind those goals involves far more detail than many observers realise.

“We’ve got something we’re really good at – so much goes into it,” he explained. “It’s not just we whip in a corner and someone heads it in.”

Rice emphasised the preparation that takes place behind the scenes.

He pointed to long tactical meetings and extensive training work designed to perfect the routines.

“Execution, the timing, what we plan has to be bang on the money for us to score a goal,” he said. “We’ve done that many times this season.”

Arsenal’s approach has also influenced how other teams defend set pieces.

Opponents have increasingly adjusted their defensive setups to deal with the threat.

Rice believes that reaction highlights how effective Arsenal’s methods have been.

“It comes from us, the way we set up and then everyone talks about it and then everyone does it – so it’s confusing,” he said. “But they’re not doing it to the level that we do it.”

Despite the success, the England international insists there is still room for improvement.

“We can still get better and that’s the good thing about it,” he added.

Rice also spoke about his evolving role in midfield under manager Mikel Arteta.

He has increasingly operated as a number eight rather than a traditional defensive midfielder.

That change has brought new responsibilities in attack and possession.

The arrival of Martin Zubimendi has been particularly important to that shift.

Rice described his teammate as a calm presence who helps control matches from deep areas.

“He moves the ball so well through the lines and keeps it calm and simple,” Rice said. “He’s a typical Spanish No 6.”

Rice also highlighted his developing understanding with teammate Elliot Anderson.

The midfielder believes their skillsets complement each other effectively.

“We’re like a hybrid of each other really,” Rice explained. “We both play six, we both play eight, both love to attack the box and defend the box.”

With Arsenal competing for major honours this season, Rice has also been linked with individual awards.

The midfielder has been mentioned as a potential contender for the Ballon d’Or.

However, he insists personal recognition is far from his focus.

“That is far, far away,” Rice said. “There’s still so long to go in the season and we need to win trophies.”

Rice added that he prefers to concentrate on the present rather than speculation about future accolades.

“I just try to live in the moment, keep playing football and see what happens.”

For now, the midfielder remains focused on helping Arsenal finish a season that could become one of the most memorable in the club’s history.

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