Declan Rice Puts Sentiment Aside Ahead of Arsenal vs West Ham Premier League Clash

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said on Thursday that he won’t let emotions get in the way when he returns to face West Ham United away on Sunday. He is aware that a win would move Arsenal very close to the Premier League title, while also leaving his former club in a tough position near the relegation zone.

Arsenal sit five points clear of Manchester City in second place. They still have three matches remaining, while Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand and could cut the gap to two points if they beat Brentford on Saturday.

Looking at the current scenario, even if Manchester City beat Brentford at home, Mikel Arteta’s side would still have things in their own hands as they push for a first Premier League title since 2004.

Arsenal are in strong form right now, having reached the Champions League final, but they will need to be careful against a West Ham team fighting hard to stay in the top division for another season after 14 years at that level.

West Ham are currently in 18th place, one point behind Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs moved above them and out of the relegation zone after beating Aston Villa away last weekend. Now, if West Ham manage a surprise win, it would put pressure back on Spurs, who face Leeds United at home on Monday. However, midfielder Declan Rice said his focus is only on helping Arsenal win, even if it makes life harder for his former club.

“(West Ham) are the club that gave me everything. Without West Ham, there's no me and I honestly believe that," said Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

"They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn't and a lot of people there really did push me on. Loads of good things about that club. It's not nice to see the position they're in. But it's football and I have a job to do on Sunday." added Declan Rice.