Declan Rice insists Arsenal’s belief remains unshaken despite what he called a “sickening” collapse at Wolves, as the Premier League leaders turn their focus to a high-stakes north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Arsenal surrendered a 2-0 lead at Molineux to draw 2-2 with the division’s bottom club, a result that tightened the title race and reignited questions over whether Mikel Arteta’s side possess the mentality to finish the job this time.

Rice, however, is adamant that outside doubts do not reflect the mood inside the dressing room.

“We’re first and there is outside noise,” he said. “We’re on our own journey, on our own path and we fully believe in each other. We’ve got such a good core group, such quality players now that we can do it. It shows that we can flick a page in terms of people talking about that mentality.”

The midfielder stressed the need for “perspective” as Arsenal chase a first league title in more than two decades while also competing deep into the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.

“We have to enjoy this,” Rice said. “We’re playing for Arsenal, we’re in every competition and first in the Premier League. We need some perspective about where we are, but also we need to look a bit bigger to understand that if we carry on doing what we’re doing in terms of the results, it isn’t going to last. It’s on us as players to pick that up.”

Rice did not hide his frustration at the manner of the draw at Wolves. “For them to come back and draw 2-2 was sickening and very, very disappointing. We just stopped doing the basics and ended up getting into a game they wanted to play. At 2-0 you think you’re going to walk away with it.”

He revealed that the dressing room inquest was intense but constructive. “If you were in there the other night, you would see how much it means to us. If you want to win things, you need to be able to demand stuff of each other and say truths in the moment. Things will get said, even if it’s heated, but five to 10 minutes after that, you’ll shake hands and it’s over.”

Attention now turns to Tottenham, where Rice is set to mark his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal. “The north London derby is always special,” he said. “Sunday isn’t just going to be about football, it’s going to be about how much you want it. You’ve got to fight for it and trust me, I want it.”