Arsenal mentality ‘different this year,’ says Declan Rice after starring in huge UEFA Champions League win over Bayern Munich – ‘There’s a hunger’

Rice played an influential role in the victory over Bayern, as goals from Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory, in what was ultimately a dominant second-half performance from Mikel Arteta’s side.

Having previously struggled against the Bavarians in Europe, notably crashing out in a 3-2 aggregate defeat in the 2023/24 quarter-final, Rice felt the victory showed why Arsenal can now go all the way and win trophies – having come so close in prior seasons.

“There’s a lot more leaders in the team now,” Rice told TNT Sports. “A lot of players who have been here for quite a while and know what it takes to play for this club.

“(We’ve) been in a lot of title races and it hurts, that feeling of not being able to get over the line.

Highlights: Arsenal lay down marker with statement win over Kane’s Bayern

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“We know how important it is, every single game. The mentality is different this year, there’s a hunger and desire to win every game. We can do that when we’re at our best.”

Arsenal have finished each of the last three Premier League campaigns as runners-up, while also crashing out of last season’s Champions League at the semi-final stage. Not since 2003/04 have they won a major trophy other than the FA Cup – and the north London club have yet to win the men’s Champions League.

Rice revealed the emphasis head coach Arteta placed on communication ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Bayern, noting the unique qualities of the Bundesliga side.

“He spoke about the importance of communication before the game,” Rice said. “How much they move and rotate, especially when you have Harry Kane dropping from striker all the way to the edge of the box.

“There’s so many different things, he spoke about the power of communication and tonight I think everyone was on it. You could feel it, there was something in the stomach. Another special European night.”

Exceptional win will only give Arsenal more confidence – Arteta

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The England international added: “If you look at Bayern Munich this season, they’ve been the best team in Europe, the games they’ve won tell you that.

“We knew tonight what game we were in for. The toughest game tactically we’ve played all season, to be honest. The way they move, the way they drag you around, it takes a lot of communication and a lot of thinking. It’s incredible. The way they work it is so, so good. It’s top tier.”

Arsenal ‘ready to achieve big things’

TNT Sports expert Owen Hargreaves agrees with Rice’s assessment that the victory over Bayern showed just how different a proposition Arsenal have now become in the elite European picture.

The former Manchester United and England midfielder feels “this Arsenal team has everything” and praised the manner in which they have sustained their dominance thus far this season.

“It is a huge statement from this Arsenal team,” Hargreaves said. “They’ve showed all season, in the Premier League and now the Champions League against the best team we’ve seen so far. Exceptional, Arsenal today.”

He added: “Second half, Arsenal dominated. They showed every phase technically.

“Set-pieces were big. Then Declan decided to take over. This squad of players is ready to achieve big things and they showed it today.”

‘Arsenal can go toe-to-toe with anyone’ – Hargreaves on influence of new signings

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Notably, Arsenal were missing key defender Gabriel and summer signing Viktor Gyokeres for the match, while captain Martin Odegaard started on the bench following his return to fitness.

Hargreaves pointed towards the strong performances of those standing in as another promising factor in Arsenal’s silverware hopes.

“Now, Arsenal can go toe-to-toe with anyone,” he said. “With the squad they have, obviously signing a striker was important, addressing the goalscoring issue.

“But (Cristhian) Mosquera comes in, seamless. (Piero) Hincapie at the weekend (against Tottenham), seamless. Madueke comes off the bench, Martinelli, (Riccardo) Calafiori. It doesn’t matter who comes in, they’re all top players.

“Before, there was a lot of focus on (Bukayo) Saka, Odegaard and Declan because they’re special. But they’ve addressed some of those issues.

“Two years ago, they couldn’t have won this game against Bayern.”

Arsenal’s credentials will be tested further on Sunday as they face second-placed Chelsea in the Premier League.