Back
Declan Rice showed his true colours with a message to his Arsenal team-mates just minutes after their narrow victory over Liverpool. Kai Havertz's early tap-in secured all three points for the Gunners, who registered their first win at Anfield since 2012 and moved two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. Rice was the best player on the pitch, with the England midfielder at the heart of proceedings for Arsenal throughout the encounter.
He got the assist for Havertz's goal, which came after Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker surrended possession in a dangerous area.
Rice was rewarded for his influential display with the man-of-the-match award, but was quick to insist that he wasn't the only standout performer for Arsenal.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "This can go to anyone today." Rice added: "That defensive line we have, that togetherness we have, it's nothing like I have seen before.
"The manager had a really honest conversation with me, he still thinks I can do more for this club and this badge. This season so far I’ve been feeling really good. We spoke about overlaps before the game.
"I spoke to this guy [Havertz] about attacking the box with real aggression. He was there, and he nearly could have had another one with the same action, so I’m so happy for him because he deserved that goal today.
"It’s always tiring and tough coming here. It’s my first win here as a player, so it’s demanding."
Jamie Carragher was full of praise for Rice after the final whistle, insisting that he is up there with the best midfielders Arsenal have ever had.
"He’s the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way, it’s not even a debate," said the former Liverpool defender.
"Last season there was a debate with [Moises] Caicedo, but it's not even a debate. Declan Rice is the best midfield player in this country.
"I’m not an Arsenal fan, but sometimes I hear people speak about him and I’m sort of flabbergasted that they don’t understand football and they’re not watching the same game as me.
"He’s a world-class midfield player. There’s absolutely no doubt about it. One of the best midfield players Arsenal have ever had. They’ve had some obviously great ones and he’s right up there with the best of them."
Back
Top
| Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact |
Refresh
|
All the best breaking news stories from Apex Scores Lite. Optimised for feature phones and low end Android devices, Apex Scores Lite helps users with legacy devices and poor network connectivity access the latest football news and live scores. Particularly relevant for breaking football news in Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa.