If there’s any young holding midfielder out there who wants to learn how to improve every aspect of their game, watch this match and follow Declan Rice. He was sensational.

This game showed me just how important Rice — and also William Saliba — are for Mikel Arteta. They are the two players he cannot do without if they are going to win the Premier League. With those two players in the side, they can get a result anywhere.

It also made me realise how much Liverpool need a player like him. If Rice wore a Liverpool shirt, I think they win the title. He’s that good.

He was phenomenal last night, in every aspect. His reading of the game, winning the ball, his positional play, keeping hold of the ball under pressure, playing through the lines. It was an all-round brilliant display.

I was just surprised with how few plaudits he got during the game from Sky’s co-commentators Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher — probably because the former defenders were busy drooling over Saliba and Virgil van Dijk!

Declan Rice Dazzled for Arsenal during their 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Saturday night

Declan Rice Dazzled for Arsenal during their 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Saturday night

The England midfielder has become one of the most important members in Arsenal's squad this season

The England midfielder has become one of the most important members in Arsenal’s squad this season

Rice has scored three times in 13 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this campaign

Rice has scored three times in 13 Premier League appearances for Arsenal this campaign

Liverpool can still win the title but in the big games away from home, in Europe, a midfielder with the physical presence and game intelligence like Rice — or like Rodri for Man City — is so important both in the Premier League and Europe. The difference he has made to Arsenal is incredible.

It will be Gunners, though, who will be the happier of the two teams after what was a terrific game. Both sides proved they are the real deal, especially in defence.

Saliba and Gabriel were imperious for Arsenal and, while Van Dijk is always a rock for Liverpool, I thought Ibrahim Konate had his best game of the season.

Ironically, for two sides renowned for their attacking creativity and flair, both lacked a bit of quality in the final third, overhitting the pass, making the wrong decision, taking a heavy touch.

Liverpool will probably be a bit disappointed. They drew at home to Manchester United, in a game they dominated, and put in a much better performance against a top side and will feel like, on another day, they would have won it. From those two games at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp would have expected at least four points.

My old manager Gerard Houllier always talked about the importance of the ‘tiny details’ and, in the end, it was a game where those details perhaps cost Liverpool.

That five-on-two overload in the second half, when Trent Alexander-Arnold hit the bar from a Liverpool breakaway. The ball bobbled slightly before he hit it and we’re talking a matter of six inches from probably winning the game.

A goal would have capped off what I thought was a brilliant display by Alexander-Arnold. His passing was outstanding, especially in the first half. His assist for Mo Salah’s goal was a pass that only a few people in world football can play. 

He is the perfect player to fill that vacant midfield slot in the England team alongside Rice and Jude Bellingham. No one else can do what he can from there. We don’t want to stay in the tournament next summer, we want to win it.

He got the equaliser against Man City, he scored the winner against Fulham. He set up Salah here and was inches away from winning it.

The happiest manager of them all, though, will probably be Pep Guardiola. A draw here, as well as for Aston Villa on Friday night, was perfect for him especially after a week where City were away at the Club World Cup. You never want to fall behind the pack.

Ibrahima Konate also impressed for Liverpool during the match, despite giving away the free-kick that lead to Arsenal's first goal

Ibrahima Konate also impressed for Liverpool during the match, despite giving away the free-kick that lead to Arsenal’s first goal 

Virgil van Dijk also impressed for the Reds tonight, but it was Arsenal who remain top of the league at Christmas

Virgil van Dijk also impressed for the Reds tonight, but it was Arsenal who remain top of the league at Christmas

Mikel Arteta's side have now gone unbeaten in their last three matches and the Arsenal boss said his team can go all the way this season after the game

Mikel Arteta’s side have now gone unbeaten in their last three matches and the Arsenal boss said his team can go all the way this season after the game

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, with a show every Monday and Thursday this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

If Pep was watching, he’ll have a little smile to himself at the result. At the performances of Arsenal and Liverpool, though, he’ll know — as I’m sure he already does — that City have a battle on their hands if they want to make it four titles in a row. 

They’ve already lost at Arsenal this season.  They were held at home by Liverpool. Pep knows what he’s up against.

So, it’s Arsenal who are top at Christmas. That accolade, for what it’s worth, means absolutely nothing. The Gunners have another game a day after waking up on Christmas morning at the summit.

Arteta will know his side were top at Christmas last season and let it slip. What he’ll care about, is making sure Arsenal are top when it matters this time – after the final day.

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Post source: Daily mail

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