‘Be rude to your teammates’ - Former Arsenal star tells Rice to become nasty

Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has called on Declan Rice to develop a more aggressive and confrontational on-field persona, arguing that the midfielder must step up as a true leader if the Gunners are to fulfil their Premier League title ambitions.

Petit’s comments followed Arsenal’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium, a result that marked the club’s third consecutive league match without a win.

The setback has seen Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table trimmed to just four points, increasing pressure as the season enters a crucial phase.

Speaking to talkSPORT after the match, Petit admitted he expects more from the England international.

“For me, I’m expecting more from him,” Petit said.

While praising Arsenal’s defensive leaders, Petit insisted that Rice and his teammates need to show a tougher edge during matches.

“The likes of William Saliba, Gabriel as well, those guys have been really good for two or three seasons already. They are leaders on the field, but I want them to be nasty,” he explained.

Petit was particularly direct in his message to Rice, urging him to embrace a more intimidating style of leadership.

He said, “I don’t want him to be ‘Mr Nice’. If you’re hearing this, Declan, I want you to be really nasty on the field. Could you bully the opponents? I want you to be rude to your teammates too.”

The former France international believed a shift in mentality is essential if Arsenal is to think and behave like champions, drawing comparisons with some of the Premier League’s most iconic leaders.

He continued, “I want those guys to act as if they’re thinking about becoming champions and to behave like real champions. Something is missing in your character and personality during the game.”

He added, “I want him to be similar to Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, and Tony Adams. I want the opponent to be scared of you whenever you have to battle for the ball.”