Declan Rice claims Arsenal 'never needed to sign a striker' as Gunners cure goal woes

Declan Rice believes Arsenal's remarkable run proves they never needed to sign a new No9 to cure their goalscoring woes.

Arsenal thumped Sheffield United 6-0 last night to make it seven wins on the spin and close the gap on leaders Liverpool to two points.

The Gunners have scored 31 goals during their winning run after previously struggling in attack. Around the turn of the year, they suffered three defeats in a row and scored just once, despite having 61 shots on goal.

It led to calls for the Gunners to sign a new striker during the January transfer window, but Rice insists the squad always believed they could turn it around.

"I think there was a narrative that we weren't creating chances, that we needed a No9, but in all honesty we have been playing like this all year," he said. "All season we have been playing really well.

"The goals weren't as free flowing as they are now, but that was never a problem that we needed a No9, because we have got Gabi [Jesus], we have got Kai [Havertz], we have got Eddie [Nketiah] and we have got Leo [Trossard], who can play as a false nine.

“Goals are going to come, so I don't think that has ever been a big problem. I think now we are really in our groove and we are looking really threatening in front of goal."

Arsenal tore a lacklustre United apart during the first half last night and were 5-0 up by the break.

Martin Odegaard opened the scoring after five minutes and, moments later, the lead was doubled after an own-goal by Jayden Bogle. Gabriel Martinelli, Havertz and Rice all struck before the break, with Ben White adding a sixth in the second half.

Rice's goal was his fifth in the league and it is already his most prolific season. The 25-year-old has spent much of this season playing at the base of midfield, but he has been pushed further forward in the past two games.

"I am learning the position, but I want to keep scoring goals," he said. "There is no better feeling in the world than assisting and scoring."

Arsenal can go top if they beat Brentford on Saturday, with Liverpool and second-placed Manchester City facing each other the following day.