Arsenal were impressive at times in their 1-1 draw at Liverpool, with several players stepping up to deliver outstanding performances.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remained defensively resolute throughout, and they were also helped by Declan Rice at the base of midfield.
The Englishman has arguably been Arsenal’s best player this season, and he was excellent again as Mikel Arteta’s side retained their place at the top of the Premier League.
Rice was so impressive that he even earned praise from those of a Liverpool persuasion, who were mesmerised by the way in which he controlled the midfield whilst adding steel to the Arsenal defence.
Declan Rice praised for performance at Liverpool
Liverpool journalist Dave Ockop heaped praise on the 24-year-old, and remarkably claimed that his performance was one of the best he had seen at Anfield.
“Declan Rice with one of the finest performances at Anfield I’ve ever seen. Unbelievable to be honest,” he posted on X.
Rice completed 64 of his 73 attempted passes, a rate of 88%, whilst he also won 100% of his tackles and completed four long balls.
He also made eight recoveries as he was outstanding in defence, and made five clearances.
Given that Anfield has seen some remarkable midfielders over the years, including Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, this is huge praise for Rice, who has been consistently brilliant since his arrival from West Ham in the summer.
Can Declan Rice lead Arsenal to the title?
Arsenal have not won the Premier League since 2004, when Patrick Vieira captained the Invincibles, but with Arteta’s team now top of the Premier League at Christmas, the Gunners may fancy their chances this season.
Rice’s addition has been a huge factor in this. Whilst Arsenal did challenge for the title with Thomas Partey in midfield last season, Rice has arguably been even better, and both players are perhaps the closest Arsenal have come to replacing Vieira after all these years.
The England star brings both physicality and quality on the ball to the Arsenal midfield, and has also chipped in with crucial goals on top of his excellent performances in a defensive role.
If Arsenal are to pip Manchester City to the league title this season, it will be in no small part thanks to Rice’s consistency, leadership and outstanding performances in midfield, with the Englishman leading Europe for interceptions in the final third, helping Arteta’s side dominate games higher up the pitch.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
