26 February 2024 , 12:01
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Declan Rice says he has been pleasantly surprised by the aggression of Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes.
The Brazilian defender forced the opener, given as an own goal from Sven Botman, in Saturday night’s rampage against Newcastle and while defensive partner William Saliba tends to hog the limelight, Rice believes Gabriel has been an unsung hero for Mikel Arteta ’s title-chasing side.
“I think Saliba is unbelievable,” Rice said. “I obviously heard all the talk about him before I came here. But the one who’s really surprised me is actually Gabriel. He’s so aggressive, so strong. He really wants it all the time, never loses a duel. When you’ve got two centre backs like that who want it, play aggressively, it really helps and gives you confidence.”
The former West Ham midfielder, who moved to the Emirates in a £105m move last summer, also says he is embracing the pressure of a title race, adding: "It’s good, you relish it. I think you enjoy the pressures of having to win football matches. When my career ends I’m going to look back on these moments and wish I had played in more title races."
Meanwhile, former Arsenal forward Joe Willock hopes his “very heartbreaking” injury woes are a thing of the past. The Newcastle forward’s goalscoring return to action after three months out with an achilles injury was a “bittersweet feeling” as he came off the bench to head in a consolation.
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But the 24-year-old, who moved to Tyneside from Arsenal, says the Toon must draw a line under a heavy defeat before tomorrow’s FA Cup fifth-round tie away to Blackburn.
“It's been a long journey for me on the sideline,” Willock said. “It's been very heartbreaking, probably one of the hardest times of my career. I've not been with my team-mates, who I love so much, and they've helped me a lot.
Declan Rice celebrates with Bukayo Saka on Saturday night. (Getty Images)"There's a real brotherhood at the club, it means a lot to come back and be on the pitch with them. I wanted to win but I'm happy to be back, hopefully I can stay back and stay fit.”
Newcastle have taken only 11 points from the past 12 games and shipped 23 goals in their eight most recent fixtures. Manager Eddie Howe admits their defensive record is “a concern” but Willock insists there were positives to take from north London.
Yet with their chances of qualifying for Europe hanging by a thread, the cup trip to Ewood Park may be vital to save their campaign. “It's a big game for our season, we have to put this behind us,” Willock added.
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