Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has heaped praise on manager Mikel Arteta, insisting that the Spaniard is destined to achieve the highest honours in football.

The Gunners will aim to maintain their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League when they face North London rivals Tottenham this weekend following the November international break.

Arsenal have impressed so far this season, with Arteta silencing critics who doubted his ability to lead the team to a title challenge. Rice has added his voice to the growing support for the young manager, confident that Arteta is on the path to winning it all.

“Don’t judge him now. Judge him at the end of his managerial career when he’s won everything, because he will, I’m sure,” Rice said.

Arsenal went into the international break after a 2-2 draw with Sunderland, which allowed Manchester City to close the gap at the top after a 3-0 victory over Liverpool.

With a pivotal clash against Spurs on the horizon, Arsenal know that a win is crucial to preserve their lead. Arteta has yet to win a league title, and the club has not lifted the Premier League since 2002.

If Arsenal triumph this season, it would serve as a vindication of Rice’s confidence in Arteta, as the 43-year-old manager continues to establish himself as one of football’s rising stars.