Declan Rice believes his new pre-match practice of wolfing down pancakes has aided Arsenal’s pursuit for another Premier League championship.

On Sunday, if Arsenal defeats Everton and Manchester City fails to beat West Ham, they will win their first league title in 20 years. Rice, who joined from the Hammers for a club record £105 million in the summer, has been crucial to their title challenge.


Rice, 25, has been in imperious form, scoring seven goals and eight assists in his first season in red and white. And what’s the secret to his and Arsenal’s success? Pancakes.

Laughing, the England international tells Men’s Health: “I eat four pancakes before a game. Covered with syrup or honey. I swear to God, it’s the best thing; it has changed this season.”
According to Rice, the switch was prompted by a recommendation from Arsenal’s nutritionist. He continues: “He told me to believe him and start eating pancakes. They’re just regular pancakes. When I first joined the club, I noticed the players eating them and thought, ‘What is going on here?’ But, honestly, it has been a game changer.

“I’m not sure what’s in them or what the science behind it is, but it gives me a lot of energy. I suppose that’s why I’m able to rattle around the pitch so much… it’s truly going out of control. If we play at 5.30pm, I’ll occasionally have eight pancakes in one day. I’ll have some for breakfast and some more at 3.30pm before we play.”


Rice’s influence in the engine room helped Arsenal triumph 1-0 over Manchester United last weekend, extending the title fight to the final day.

Arsenal missed out on the title in the closing weeks of the 2022/23 season. And, while they will be huge underdogs on Sunday afternoon, Mikel Arteta and his team will be hoping for a different result this time.

Speaking after Arsenal’s victory over United, the Spaniard told Sky Sports: “Today, we wanted to open that door to say, last game in front of our people, our families will be there, and let’s live one of the most beautiful days we’ve ever had together and see what happens.”

“It is football. “There are always possibilities.”