Declan Rice makes Premier League title declaration after Arsenal beat Liverpool

Declan Rice has played down the significance of Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Liverpool, insisting there is still plenty of work to do despite the Gunners moving three points clear at the top of the Premier League. Kai Havertz scored the winner at Anfield on Sunday, November 1, finishing Rice's low cross in the 16th minute to secure Arsenal's first league victory at Liverpool since September 2012.

The result moved Mikel Arteta's side to 24 points after nine matches, three ahead of Manchester City following their defeat to Brighton. Liverpool remained fifth, nine points behind the defending champions.

However, Rice was reluctant to describe the result as a defining moment in the title race. Asked by Sky Sports whether the victory represented a big moment in the Premier League title race, Rice replied: 'No.

' He explained that the table only becomes meaningful in February or March, adding that Arsenal must keep winning in the meantime. "I've learned that the table, you can only take it seriously in February, March.

If you're there or thereabouts, then you know you're in with a shout," he said. "Anything now between now and then, you've got to win as many as you can.

Rice reveals Arteta's challenge Rice also disclosed that Arteta had challenged him to raise his level at the start of the season, despite his importance to Arsenal's midfield. The manager had a really honest conversation with me at the start of the season and still thinks that I can do more in this shirt and for this club," Rice said.

"And this season so far I've been feeling really good." The midfielder's performanceagainst Liverpooloffered a strong response to that challenge. He provided the decisive assist, worked tirelessly in midfield and helped Arsenal withstand sustained pressure from the hosts.

Rice explained that he had discussed attacking the penalty area with Havertz before the match, making the forward's movement crucial to the opening goal. "I spoke to this guy [Havertz] about attacking the box with real aggression.

He was there, and he nearly could have had another one with the same action," Rice said.