Gary Neville notices what Mikel Arteta told Declan Rice moments before Virgil van Dijk bust-up

Virgil van Dijk was involved in a bust-up with Declan Rice

Gary Neville noticed that Declan Rice picked a fight with Virgil van Dijk shortly after Mikel Arteta barked some orders at his players. The Arsenal midfielder faced off against the Liverpool captain towards the end of the first half, lifting fans at the Emirates Stadium from their seats .

Rice and Van Dijk exchanged a few words, igniting a brawl in the middle of the park . Anthony Taylor tried his best to diffuse the situation, while the England international angrily gestured towards Jeremie Frimpong, who was down in the Gunners' box.

The Reds defender had appealed for a penalty a few moments prior. Rather than getting up to defend the counter-attack, Frimpong stayed on the floor, holding his ankle.

Arsenal didn't kick the ball out, nor did Taylor halt play, which clearly bothered Van Dijk. Interestingly, as the Gunners progressed the ball into the Liverpool half, Neville pointed out that Arteta had spurred his players on.

Speaking on Sky Sports from the gantry at the Emirates Stadium, the Manchester United legend said: "Arteta has just come out and said, ‘release yourselves’. [It's] just started to go for them a little bit.

"The crowd have gone quiet and they need to inject a bit of urgency into the game. He said to his forwards players, get at them. They were sitting off before."

Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal battles for possession with Florian Wirtz of Liverpool. (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Then, at the next break in play, Rice and Van Dijk made their feelings known. Neville had anticipated Arsenal to leap out of the gates following Manchester City's draw to Brighton on Wednesday night.

"Huge," said the Sky Sports pundit. "What a game if you're an Arsenal player or fan. Massive opportunity but there is a long way to go, Man City are still a dangerous opponent."

The north Londoners headed into Thursday night's clash with a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Neville added: "What a chance this is. Everything is falling into their lap.

Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool holds off a challenge from Martin Odegaard of Arsenal. (Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

"The difference this year is in previous years, there has always been a flaw. The big thing is this season, when they lose players now, they have the material to come in and back it up.

"They have really bolstered everything now, they covered every base. There is a long way to go and a big job to do but they should be winning Premier League titles."