Arsenal told they can ‘absolutely’ win PL title thanks to ‘transformative’ player

Add as preferred source on Google

Football journalist Phil McNulty has had his say on Arsenal’s title chances and Declan Rice’s impact at the club. 

Declan Rice has been in imperious form for Arsenal so far this season, as the Gunners find themselves at the top of the Premier League table.

Belief will certainly be growing at the Emirates Stadium that Arsenal can go one better than last season and clinch the title this time around.

If Arsenal do go on to be crowned champions this season, then Rice will surely be credited with a key role in that success. He has been a standout performer in the middle of the park for Mikel Arteta’s side so far this season.

Arsenal paid a club-record fee of £105 million in the recent summer transfer window to prise Rice away from West Ham United. Many Arsenal fans are adamant that the 24-year-old is already living up to his monumental price tag in north London.

It is now vital that the 48-cap England international is able to maintain his fitness and form throughout the campaign. Especially given the fact that Thomas Partey is currently sidelined with an injury and cannot be relied upon to stay fit for any extended period anyway.

Can Declan Rice drive Arsenal to the Premier League title?

In a Q&A on BBC Sport, Phil McNulty was quizzed about Arsenal’s title chances this season. Asked if the Gunners can go all the way, he said, “absolutely. They are top of the table, playing with real confidence and the signing of Declan Rice has been transformative.”

“Whether they will is another matter and I think we will know a lot more after they have played Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday. I think they have got a great chance and have the experience of almost getting there last season.”

The pain of missing out on the title last season will still be raw for Arteta and his players. They led the way for the majority of the campaign, but ultimately didn’t have enough in the tank to fend off Manchester City on the final straight.

Of course, they did not have Rice then. Manchester City themselves were keen to snap him up in the summer, and had a £90 million bid rejected by the Hammers, before Arsenal were able to seal the deal. 

Beyond simply adding some of the depth that was missing last season, Rice has completely raised the level at Arsenal. He is able to do essentially do the job of two men on the pitch. He has the power and athleticism to protect the back four comprehensively and break up opposition attacks, whilst still driving the team forward with surging runs when he is on the ball.

Rice also has a welcome habit of popping with vital goals. He has already netted late winners against Manchester United and Luton Town this season, and got a comeback going against Chelsea with his strike from range.