Al-Ahli striker and former Arsenal transfer target Ivan Toney has praised Declan Rice for his Player of the Match performance in Wednesday night's 2-0 win over Manchester United.

The Gunners made it four wins in four games in all competitions thanks to two set-piece goals. Jurrien Timber squeezed Declan Rice's corner in at the front post before William Saliba confirmed the win.

Mikel Arteta's men are now on 28 points, seven off league leaders Liverpool after 14 games. The festive period means there are opportunities for plenty of twists and turns at the top of the table.

READ MORE: Alan Shearer spots 'dangerous' Arsenal tactic with clear Premier League title verdict

READ MORE: Arsenal enjoy triple title boost after Manchester United victory to strike fear into Liverpool

Following the win, Rice posted a warning to the north Londoners' title rivals on social media. Posing with the Premier League Man of the Match trophy, he wrote: "keep doubting *smiling face emoji*."

Plenty of Arsenal fans flooded the posts' comments to share their love with Rice. Toney, who left Brentford in the summer for Saudi Arabia, joined them.

Having been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, Toney praised Rice on Instagram. Commenting on the post, he wrote: "My boy *love struck face emoji* *saluting face emoji*."

It comes after some reports Toney could be looking for a quick return to England after his move to Saudi Arabia. Chelsea and Tottenham are both reportedly open to offering Toney a return to the Premier League in January amid suggestions he is unsettled in his new home.

However, both teams have first-choice strikers at their disposal in Nicolas Jackson and Dominic Solanke. There hasn't been any fresh indication of interest from Arsenal but the need for a striker remains.