Keane dares ‘too nice’ Declan Rice to get ruthless and drag Arsenal to title in crunch Man City showdown | OneFootball

Roy Keane has challenged Declan Rice to shed the 'nice guy' image and lead Arsenal to the Premier League title.

Arsenal travel to title rivals Manchester City in the Premier League tomorrow, in a massive fixture for both teams. The North Londoners lead the table by six points, though have played a game more than Manchester City.

A win for Arsenal would put them in pole position to win thePremier League for the first time since 2004. However, the Gunners have won once in five games in all competitions, following a setback against Bournemouth last weekend.

Speaking onThe Overlap podcast, Gary Neville said he wanted to see Rice have his 'moment' in this weekend's high-stakes fixture.

In response, former Manchester United captain Keane questioned whether Rice has the personality to drag Arsenal to a result. He urged the midfielder to challenge his teammates and 'smash' the opposition.

“He’s too nice. All I ever hear is he’s a really nice guy and he’s a good guy and all of this," Keane said.

“I know he’s a good player but I don’t think he gets a grip of people. He’s best mates with everyone.

“I mean falling out with people, challenging people in the dressing room. You’re on about Bournemouth, you’re criticising the manager and Arteta, listen after 50 minutes he made three substitutions.

“He didn’t sit on his hands until the last 10 minutes. He did make changes. Eventually it comes down to the players and I want Rice to challenge people.

“You see games where it’s not going right and I don’t see Declan Rice pulling up anybody.

“Did he get a grip of his teammates or did he smash anybody? Did he smash any Bournemouth players who are all having a lovely day.

“I’d love to know what he’s like in the dressing room, does he challenge people? Is he best pals with everybody. I’m always wary.

“It’s not what the game is about. It’s big boy stuff. You’ve got to challenge people and fall out with people.”