Declan Rice has sent a clear message to Premier League leaders , stating that is not backing down from the title chase as 2025 begins.

Arsenal narrowed the gap , thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, and Gabriel Martinelli. The result reduces Liverpool's lead at the top to six points, although Arne Slot's men do still have a game in hand.

The Gunners Liverpool welcomes struggling Manchester United to Anfield on Sunday.

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While Liverpool may be favorites to go on and win the title, Rice took to Instagram to assert Arsenal's determination after their New Year's Day triumph. Rice wrote: "Start the year right. Big win. Time to lock in and keep pushing ourselves. COYG."

Speaking after the game, boss was coy on his side's title chances, saying: ""We can only win our next match and see what happens. It's not in our hands, but what is in our hands, we need to make sure we do it."

Brentford boss Thomas Frank did open up on the battle at the top though and suggested Arsenal must capitalize when Liverpool does suffer a slump, after a remarkable first half of the campaign.

Frank said: “It’s a long season. I understand why Arne Slot is saying, ‘We haven’t won anything yet’. Liverpool haven’t had a dip yet and that will most likely come, and Arsenal are picking up points when they’re not fully firing. It will go right to the end.”

Arsenal looks set to be Liverpool's closest challenger for the title, although Nottingham Forest continues to enjoy a fantastic season in third. A disappointing festive period has seen Chelsea pick up just one point from three matches to fall 10 points adrift of Liverpool at the top.