Rice reveals Arteta's honest chat behind his form after Liverpool win
Declan Rice has lifted the lid on a private conversation with Mikel Arteta that he credits for inspiring his strong run of form this season, after setting up the winner in Arsenal's 1-0 victory at Anfield on Sunday.
Kai Havertz struck in the 16th minute, turning home a Rice cross after the midfielder overlapped into the box, to secure Arsenal's first win at Anfield since 2012. The result, combined with Manchester City's 1-0 defeat to Brighton the previous day, sent Arsenal three points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
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'The manager had a really honest conversation with me'
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Rice explained the pre season discussion with his manager that he believes has shaped his campaign so far.
“I think the manager had a really honest conversation with me at the start of the season and still thinks I can do more in this shirt and for this club,” Rice said. “This season so far I've been feeling really good. We spoke about overlaps before this game and I spoke to Havertz about attacking the box with real aggression and he was there. He nearly could have had another one with the same action. I'm so happy for him because he deserves that goal and ultimately to win 1-0.”
Arsenal's backline held firm throughout, withstanding a Liverpool side that saw Florian Wirtz strike the post in the first half. Arteta's side will now look to carry that momentum into Wednesday's Champions League trip to face Slavia Prague, sitting seventh in the league phase table after two wins and a draw, including a result against Bayern Munich.
Iraola says Isak decision was 'a clear penalty'
The Anfield clash was not without controversy. In the 21st minute, Alexander Isak rose to meet a Liverpool delivery under challenge from Jurrien Timber, who appeared to clutch Isak's shirt as the ball flashed past. Isak stayed on his feet and exchanged words with Timber, but referee Andy Madley waved play on and VAR did not intervene.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola was unhappy with the decision after the final whistle, as reported by football.london.
“I think the Isak one is a clear penalty. He is going to head the ball in front of the goal and they grab him where everyone sees the shirt,” Iraola said. “You don't need a lot just to avoid Alex because the ball just goes in front of him and I don't see the reason why it is not given. Probably because he doesn't dive or he doesn't go to the floor, it shouldn't be a reason not to concede a penalty. I can say what I think about the situations, but we cannot waste too much time about the refereeing decisions. We have to say what it is, I think it is a pen, but we have to control the things we need to improve to be on the right side of these close games.”
Arsenal will hope to carry the same defensive resilience into the midweek trip to the Czech Republic as they look to strengthen their position in the Champions League standings.
