‘Absolute beast’… Journalist blown away by £240k-a-week Arsenal star v Liverpool

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Declan Rice produced another titanic performance in the middle of the park for Arsenal against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice was imperious against the Reds at the Emirates Stadium.

Alongside veteran Jorginho in the middle of the pitch, Rice ensured that Arsenal won the midfield battle against Jurgen Klopp’s league leaders. Certainly in the first half, when the Gunners were utterly dominant, the former West Ham United man was magnificent, as he never allowed an opponent to settle on the ball, he was combative in his duels, and persistently sought to play the ball forward when he had it at his feet.

Whilst Jorginho caught the eye with a player of the match performance, it was the manner in which the duo worked in tandem which propelled Mikel Arteta’s side to this statement 3-1 victory. 

The numbers tell the story of Rice’s performance. According to WhoScored statistics, the 25-year-old made four tackles against Liverpool, more than any other player on the pitch. He also contributed with two interceptions, and two clearances. In possession he played two key passes and delivered three crosses into the box. 

Prior to the match, Rice provided an insight into how he prepares for matches such as this one. Clearly, the £240,000-a-week star’s preparation stood him in good stead to shine on this huge stage.

Declan Rice proving that Arsenal spent wisely

As stated by The Athletic journalist, Jordan Campbell, writing on X, “Declan Rice has been an absolute beast in midfield today. He has won the ball back a ridiculous amount of times. Limitless performance.”

Of course, Rice has consistently impressed since his arrival at the north London club in the recent summer transfer window. It was for matches like this one, which matter hugely in the context of the Premier League title race, that the Gunners splashed out a club-record £105 million fee on him for, though. Against the Reds, the 48-cap England international provided yet more evidence that that was money well spent.

Arsenal are now right back in the heat of the title race, just two points behind Liverpool thanks to this result. As such, there will be plenty more big matches between now and the end of the campaign. If Arsenal are to stand any chance of being crowned champions this season, it is vital that Rice remains fit and firing on all cylinders, and can continue to step up when the big occasion demands it of him.