Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice called on his teammates to remain calm in the 2025/2026 Premier League title race after the Gunners were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford on Friday, February 13, 2026. With the result, Arsenal now leads Manchester City by only four points at the top of the table.
Rice stressed that the squad must ignore external distractions and focus entirely on their pursuit of the Premier League trophy this season.
Early Lead and Late Equalizer
Arsenal initially took the lead in the match at Gtech Community Stadium when Noni Madueke headed the ball into the net in the 61st minute. However, Brentford responded quickly, with Keane Lewis-Potter scoring an equalizer just ten minutes later.
The draw significantly affected the title race. Arsenal had been in position to extend their lead to nine points after Manchester City’s recent victories over Liverpool at Anfield and Fulham at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite their strong start to the season, the Gunners could not break down a determined Brentford side, who have enjoyed a solid campaign under manager Keith Andrews. Brentford had recorded two wins in their last six matches, showcasing their resilience and improving form.
The Season as a Rollercoaster
Arsenal aim to end three consecutive seasons as runners-up, having last won the Premier League in 2004. Rice acknowledged the challenges of sustaining peak performance over a long season.
“In a journey like this, you will not always perform at your best across 70 matches in one season, but you must always do your utmost,” Rice told ESPN.
“This season has been like a rollercoaster. You cannot be naive and think everything will be easy. It comes down to small details and fundamentals,” he added.
Staying Confident
Rice admitted that Arsenal had hoped to leave Brentford with all three points. However, he recognized that Brentford is a tough opponent capable of upsetting the bigger teams.
“We face top teams every week. We must push ourselves, trust our abilities, and control what we can control,” Rice said.
He also emphasized the importance of tuning out external noise and maintaining focus as a group. “People will always talk about the title race and Arsenal, but we are a very calm group. We know how to concentrate on what matters,” Rice explained.
Respect for Brentford
The midfielder praised Brentford’s performance and highlighted the challenge of facing them. “I am not naive about Brentford being an easy opponent. They are one of the best teams in the league, and their recent form proves it. This point is part of our journey, but naturally, we wanted to win,” Rice noted.
Arsenal’s squad is aware that each match in the title race is crucial, and maintaining consistency will be key in the coming weeks. Rice’s message is clear: stay calm, stay focused, and trust the team’s preparation.
Mental Focus in the Title Race
As the Premier League heads toward its final stretch, mental strength will play a decisive role. Rice’s leadership emphasizes composure amid the pressure of a tight race with Manchester City and other challengers.
“Remaining level-headed, focusing on our own game, and not getting distracted by opinions outside the club is vital,” Rice said. “We need to keep our confidence and push forward week after week.”
The Gunners now look ahead to their next fixtures with the aim of solidifying their lead and keeping their title ambitions alive. Rice’s experience and calm demeanor provide reassurance to both fans and teammates that Arsenal can handle the pressure of a tense championship chase.
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