Arsenal’s ‘defensive masterclass’ praised in Liverpool win as Jamie Carragher salutes ‘world class’ Declan Rice | Soccer Information

Not since 2012 – when present boss Mikel Arteta was commanding Arsenal’s midfield on the pitch – had the Gunners gained on Liverpool’s patch. That curse has lastly been damaged.

Successful at Anfield is a rarity, particularly for Arsenal. However Arteta’s aspect had been ruthless at each ends of the pitch, a tactical triumph for the boss and one which underlines his aspect’s champion mentality.

“I like when there’s something that we’ve not accomplished for a few years,” beamed the Spaniard, who praised his gamers for a defensive efficiency he known as “exceptional”. If Arteta wished to make a press release, he succeeded.

Regardless of being pinned again in a primary half dominated by Liverpool strain, the guests restricted their hosts to zero correct pictures – the primary time on file the Reds did not land a minimum of one try heading in the right direction at residence.

“Ultimately, that line of defense, the best way we stick collectively, that togetherness we have now, is undefeated,” midfielder Declan Rice mirrored. “It is nothing I’ve ever seen earlier than.” 9 video games in, Arsenal’s title defence goes completely to plan.

Jamie Carragher was equally impressed by Arsenal’s resilience: “To come back to Anfield and be put below that a lot strain and never have a shot heading in the right direction from the opposition, or Liverpool not get a giant likelihood given the cash they’ve spent on their assault, is excellent.

“When you consider Arsenal successful titles, particularly in ’89 and ’91 with Tony Adams and that well-known again 4, I believe we’re getting near placing this again 4 in that dialog.”

Gary Neville known as it a “defensive masterclass”, likening Arsenal’s nous to that of a aspect styled on Jose Mourinho’s distinctive compactness.

The Gunners additionally gained 18 fouls, Jurrien Timber, Martin Odegaard and Noni Madueke all accountable for drawing three apiece – a tactic used to stifle Liverpool’s momentum. Ezri Konsa gained all eight of the duels he contested.

Such utility and exertion is what happy Arteta most.

Below him, Arsenal have gone on to win 81 per cent of league video games wherein they’ve opened the scoring – the masters of preserving a lead.

He added: “Not just for the victory, however for the best way we have accomplished it, the spirit that we confirmed, the best way we carried this shirt, this badge. It is a dedication of each single participant in each motion to ship these sorts of stats.

“And that is the magical half about this recreation, that it may possibly take you to essentially unhealthy locations, however 4 days later you will have an unbelievable alternative to do one thing historic, and we have accomplished it.”

‘World-class Rice the perfect in Premier League’

Whereas Carragher was impressed with the Gunners’ collective effort on Tremendous Sunday, he singled out Rice for specific commendation, calling him a “world class” expertise.

The midfielder delivered one in every of his most full performances of the marketing campaign to date, offering the help for Kai Havertz’s winner and anchoring the center third in a means that prime Arteta could be happy with.

He was the defensive defend Arsenal wanted when Liverpool had been producing a headwind and made essential interceptions within the strain moments.

His 62 touches had been essentially the most of any Arsenal participant. “He is among the finest midfield gamers Arsenal have ever had,” Carragher added.

“They’ve clearly had some nice ones. He is proper up there with the perfect of them. He is the perfect midfield participant within the Premier League by a good distance. It is not even a debate.”