Tottenham – Arsenal: Declan Rice ignites the fire ahead of the derby

Tottenham – Arsenal: Rice sets the tone

Europe 21 February 2026 at 05:20

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

Tottenham – Arsenal: Declan Rice ignites the fire ahead of the derby

22.02.26 FT English Premier League

Tottenham

Arsenal

As the North London Derby approaches, Arsenal are gearing up for a decisive clash in the title race. Sitting atop the Premier League ahead of Manchester City, the Gunners know that the showdown with Tottenham is far more than just another league fixture. For Declan Rice, the emotional and symbolic stakes of this derby are immediate and intense.

A derby you simply don't lose

The English midfielder revealed to SunSport the message he received upon his arrival in London.

“I remember Bukayo Saka told me: 'You can’t lose derbies here against Spurs.' For the supporters, for everyone—the players, the staff—this is the one game you just can’t lose,” he recounted,

emphasizing the unique pressure surrounding this fixture.

Rice is already familiar with the intense atmosphere of this rivalry.

“It's electric. My first time there... it was something else. You feel the energy—it's just different on derby day.”

Fully aware of the sporting stakes, he concluded:

“It's going to be a tough match... they'll be desperate for revenge. But so will we—we'll be ready.”

🚨👀 Declan Rice: “I remember Saka saying: You can’t lose derbies here to Spurs. This is the perfect game to respond”.

“For the fan base, everyone, the players, the staff – that’s the game you can’t lose”, told Sun Sport. pic.twitter.com/wFbIQotFug
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 21, 2026