The Gunners beat Chelsea 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night thanks to a late goal from Kai Havertz on the counter, securing a 4-2 win on aggregate.
Rice praised the Blues for their efforts in the second leg of the semi-final and the improvements they have made since Liam Rosenior replaced Enzo Maresca as head coach.
“Credit to Chelsea to be honest,” the midfielder told ITV after the final whistle. “They have been really good since their new manager arrived.
“They changed the formation tonight and gave us problems. On another night they could have scored, but credit where it’s due, our defense was incredible.”
“We have a group that really wants it. Whatever team comes at us, we are ready. When you play against a team like Chelsea, they throw so many things at you physically and mentally.”
“You have to have that resilience to stay strong and keep going.
Declan Rice: Arsenal have ‘desire and fire’ to finally win trophies
Arsenal have not won a major trophy since beating Chelsea in the 2020 FA Cup final during Mikel Arteta’s first season in charge. But Rice believes this is the year they end the drought.
“We deserve it,” he added. “Over the last three or four years we have been at the top of the Premier League and we have come very close, but we have not been good enough.
“That’s why this season we have that extra desire and fire in our belly to go one step further in every competition. There is still a long way to go, but to play a cup final with this club is great.”
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