Rice proud of Arsenal's 'never-say-die attitude' in Chelsea draw

Declan Rice was proud of Arsenal after coming back from two goals down to draw against Chelsea.

Cole Palmer fired the Blues in front from the penalty spot, before Mykhailo Mudryk's looping cross-shot saw that lead double early in the second half. 

Rice, 24, gave his side life by capitalising on a poor pass from Robert Sanchez and Leandro Trossard then bagged a dramatic equaliser in the 84th minute.

After the match, the England international praised his team-mates for showing fight at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "First half from us the worst we've played this season in terms of sloppiness. But massive credit to Chelsea, the manager said they had been unlucky this season and they made it difficult for us. 

"To show heart and character, it is not easy when 2-0 down. It's about having that fight and mindset, pushing the team on and making sure everyone has belief. It was a good comeback. 

"Chelsea made it compact, but us on the ball was not good enough — my first pass I gave it away. It gave Chelsea encouragement but in the second half we showed what we're about — that hunger and never-say-die attitude. 

"We showed great heart and character."

Cool as Rice

Rice bagged a crucial goal to ignite the comeback and claims his finish was a show of quick instinct.

He said: "Instead of driving the ball with my laces I had to curl it. 

"It was a quick instinct about whether to pass the ball to someone or take it on. I was buzzing but we were still 2-1 down and I wanted us to keep going and get another. I'm glad we did that."

Arsenal are level on points with Manchester City after the Citizens' 2-1 win at Brighton on Saturday — but are just a point above Tottenham, who face Fulham on Monday.