Arsenal signing has taken them 'up a level' - Alexander-Arnold

Tom Weber

• Updated: 23 Dec 2023 13:18 GMT
• 3 min read

Trent Alexander-Arnold believes the signing of Declan Rice has taken Arsenal 'up a level.'

The Gunners travel to Anfield to face Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool in a crucial Premier League summit clash. The Reds recently relinquished their grip on top spot due to only drawing 0-0 with Man Utd, while Arsenal overtook them thanks to a win over Brighton during which they looked back to their best.

Though Arsenal haven't always played the swashbuckling football of last season this time around, there have been suggestions that they are actually better this campaign. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu splashed the cash in the summer to reinforce the team and it has borne fruit.

It took him a while but Kai Havertz is now impressing, while Declan Rice walked straight into the Gunners' side and made the heart of their midfield his own. Speaking ahead of the clash with Rice and Arsenal, Alexander-Arnold heaped praise on his England teammate and Arteta's team.

What did Alexander-Arnold say?

"Whether it is him [Rice] or how they adapted, I feel they have gone up a level this season," the Liverpool vice-captain said. "They're very consistent and they are winning in a controlled manner. It is different to how we are winning a lot of games. A couple of our games have been last minute, or down to ten men, winning in different ways."

"It feels like they are winning in a different way. He has been a big part of that. I have shared the pitch with him with England and know what he offers and brings to a team. You can see it in how he plays; breaking up the play, getting the team up the pitch and a lot of the dirty work."

"They are a young, exciting team who last year probably lacked experience winning, more than anything. That’s quite similar to what we were in that season when we were nipped to it by City by one point."

"Those experiences teach you a lot. It teaches you how to win. They will be bringing that from last season and it is showing in their consistency. They deserve to be near the top. So do we. It will be an exciting game."