New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has emphasized the team’s increasing maturity, leadership, and confidence as the Gunners strive for the Premier League title, asserting that this could finally be the season they "go all the way."

Rice, who has become a pivotal presence in midfield, expresses that he is enjoying some of the best form of his career.

"I’m feeling as good as I ever have in my game. It took me a couple of games to get fully up to speed at the start of the season, but now, I’ve clicked into gear. I’m performing at a consistently high level. That’s what I want to maintain week in, week out, playing at my peak, being the best player I can be, and helping the team achieve big things," said Declan Rice during an interview on JioHotstar, reflecting on his outstanding form as Arsenal’s leading midfielder this season.

Amidst a competitive title race, Rice welcomed former Gunners defender Sol Campbell’s prediction that silverware might soon return to north London.

"It’s truly special to hear that! Sol is a legend with an incredible career, especially that Invincible season that’ll never be matched. Thank you to him for those words. I think he’s spot on; we now have more leaders in the group. Martin Ødegaard is our main captain, and he’s incredible, but there’s a robust group behind him too, both behind the scenes and on matchdays. They speak up when needed, constructively, to push everyone forward. That’s a significant change I’ve noticed in my two years here and a real positive as we approach crucial matches."

Rice noted a marked change in mentality within the dressing room this season, underscoring a newfound calmness during high-pressure situations.

"I’d say it’s the calmness within the group. We’re approaching each game as it comes, not stressing about what others are doing or the noise surrounding us. We’re in a strong position ourselves. If we keep winning, good things will follow. Despite being a young squad, we possess a fantastic mentality — focused, composed, and without panic regarding external opinions. We’re solely concentrating on our game and what the manager demands from us, which has served us well thus far."

Central to that transformation, Rice believes, is the influence of manager Mikel Arteta, whose tactical acumen and attention to detail have made a lasting impression on the squad.

"I feel very fortunate to have played under him. He’s still early in his managerial career, but when it’s all said and done, he’ll be recognized as one of the best; judge him when he’s won it all, because he will. Tactically, he’s incredible: his opposition analysis, game preparation, and setups are flawless. On the pitch, I only need to focus on my game; he’s instilled the tactics into me like every other player, so we always know exactly what to do. I can’t praise him and his assistants highly enough — brilliant, hardworking individuals who genuinely care about the players."

Rice also acknowledged Arteta’s recruitment strategy and squad-building philosophy for enhancing Arsenal’s resilience amidst injuries this season.

"He’s constructed the squad brilliantly; he doesn’t recruit players just for their name, but because he sees something special in them that he can develop. The balance and rotation he’s created are perfect. When everyone’s healthy, and we still have some injuries, he’ll face a happy dilemma in choosing the XI because the quality across the board is extraordinary. I train with these players daily, and the level is exceptional. He’s very fortunate, and so are we to be part of this group."

Having come close in previous seasons, Rice insists belief has never faltered within the camp as Arsenal strives for a fourth consecutive season of contention at the top.

"We’ve believed we could get over the line for the last three seasons, honestly. We’ve entered every campaign confident in our ability to win; we know we’re as good as anyone. That confidence is vital to conquering the top teams and their star players. You have to stay committed every week, trust your own ability, and unite as a team. This is our fourth year pushing hard; close isn’t sufficient, we want more. One game at a time, we’re in a strong position, so we’ll keep winning and see where it leads us."

With leadership deepening throughout the squad and Arteta’s tactical framework firmly embedded, Rice's statements reflect a team that believes experience, composure, and consistency could finally transform near-misses into Premier League triumph.