Peter Schmeichel and Jamie Carragher left Liverpool vs Arsenal with the same broad conclusion. Arsenal’s 0-1 win at Liverpool convinced Schmeichel the champions are now beyond serious challenge, while Carragher said Declan Rice is the Premier League’s best midfielder by a distance.
Schmeichel’s title verdict
Schmeichel’s view was driven by the result as much as the performance. Kai Havertz scored the only goal in the 16th minute, and Arsenal left Anfield three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
“Now they are winners and I can’t see anyone, with that squad and what he has available to him, Arteta, who can challenge this team,” Schmeichel said, speaking to metro.co.uk.
That is a strong verdict, and the league table gives it some backing. Arsenal are top with 24 points from 9 matches, and this was their first win at Anfield since 2012.
Rice’s performance at Anfield
Carragher’s line on Rice came after a display that was hard to miss. Rice provided the assist for the winner and earned a 7.7 rating, while his season average rating in the Premier League is 7.44.
“He’s the best midfield player in the Premier League by a long way. It’s not even a debate,” Carragher said, quoted by caughtoffside.com.
Rice was not the only Arsenal player to earn praise. Schmeichel and Freddie Ljungberg both pointed to Noni Madueke, who was described as mature against Liverpool, even if his 6.39 rating shows the discussion was more about his role and application than any headline attacking return.
The bigger takeaway from Anfield is that Arsenal did more than edge a big away game. They won 1-0, their creator and scorer stood out, and two rival pundits came away sounding convinced that the title race already has a front-runner.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →
