Jamie Carragher has praised Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after the England international helped set up Kai Havertz’s winning goal in the Gunners’ 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.
Rice was named player of the match following Arsenal’s hard-fought win, with former Liverpool defender Carragher describing him as “by far the best midfielder in the Premier League”.
Havertz scored the only goal of the game when he finished from close range at the far post after being picked out by an excellent pass from Rice.
Both sides created further opportunities after Arsenal took the lead, but neither could add to the score. The result moved Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, while Liverpool remained fifth.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “He is by far the best midfielder in the Premier League. It’s not even up for debate.”
The former Liverpool player also rejected suggestions that his assessment was influenced by support for Arsenal, telling Metro: “Declan Rice is the best midfielder in this country. I’m not an Arsenal supporter, but I sometimes hear people talking about him and I’m kind of amazed that they don’t understand football or watch the same game I’m watching.”
Carragher went on to place Rice among Arsenal’s finest midfielders, adding: “He is a world-class midfielder. There is absolutely no doubt about that. He is one of the best midfielders ever to have played for Arsenal. They have obviously had some great players. He is among the best of them.”
The victory underlined Rice’s influence in a match in which Arsenal were tested by Liverpool but held on to secure all three points. His contribution came both in possession, through the pass that created the goal, and in midfield as Arsenal protected their advantage.
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