Declan Rice has opened up about his deep affection for West Ham United, but the Arsenal star is making it clear that sentiment won't get in the way of business when the two sides meet this weekend.

For the Gunners, the final stretch of May is all about one thing: winning. Four games stand between Arsenal and two trophies, starting with Sunday's crucial away clash at the London Stadium. But for Rice, this match carries an emotional weight that goes beyond the pitch.

The midfielder, who spent a decade at West Ham before his record-breaking move to Arsenal last summer, admits it's painful to see his former club fighting for survival. Yet with the Premier League title race reaching its boiling point, there's no room for nostalgia.

"It's a club that gave me everything," Rice reflected. "Without West Ham, there's no me. They gave me a chance when Chelsea didn't, and so many people there pushed me forward. Moyes, Bilić, Pellegrini—they all believed in me, made me captain. It's not nice to see where they are. But it's football, and I have a job to do."

The stakes couldn't be higher. For Arsenal, every point is precious in their pursuit of Premier League glory. For West Ham, every point is a lifeline in their battle against relegation. Rice knows this better than anyone: "We're trying to win a title, and they're fighting for their lives. May the best team win."

Meanwhile, Manchester City face their own test on Saturday against a Brentford side chasing European football. Any slip-up from Guardiola's team could hand Arsenal a decisive advantage—but at this stage of the season, no one is doing anyone any favors.