£240k-a-week Arsenal star has been the most crucial player this season, not Saka

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Arsenal are flying at the top of the Premier League, and a dramatic victory at Luton Town has helped keep them there.

Mikel Arteta’s side found themselves 3-2 down from a winning position, but goals from Kai Havertz and Declan Rice helped overturn the deficit and secured all three points in the very last minute.

Rice nodded in a stoppage-time winner which sparked scenes of wild celebration amongst the Arsenal staff, fans and players, and it was yet another crucial moment from him.

Whilst he, William Saliba or Bukayo Saka could all be considered Arsenal’s most important player, Rice has been Arsenal’s most crucial star in this campaign overall.

Declan Rice is Arsenal’s most crucial player

Whilst Saliba has been a rock at the back, and Saka has been consistent with his output in front of goal, Rice has brought so much to the table since his arrival from West Ham in the summer.

Aside from his brilliant defensive ability in the middle of the park, he has also chipped in with a winning goal against Manchester United and a stunning equaliser against Chelsea, with his winner at Luton the icing on the cake.

Rice will aim to contribute more goals, but it is a testament to how quickly he has settled at Arsenal that he already has several iconic moments where he stepped up in critical situations.

Declan Rice’s importance to Arsenal

Rice has a near-perfect fitness record, but was withdrawn at half-time in the North London derby earlier this season, and his replacement Jorginho went on to make a huge mistake as Arsenal dropped points.

Arsenal have lost just one game in the Premier League with Rice, and are now top of the pile, six points ahead of Manchester City.

Rice came in as Arteta revamped his midfield, and he is already showing what a great leader he is on top of his remarkable footballing ability.

He is one of the most popular players in the squad, and has helped Arsenal form the best defensive unit in the Premier League.

If Arsenal are to challenge for the league title this season, it will come down to Rice’s fitness and performances.

So far, the £240k-a-week star has been nothing short of sensational in nearly every game he has played. His performance against Luton was not his strongest, but he still pitched in with the winning goal, and this shows just how clutch he really is.

Arsenal face a tough trip to Aston Villa on Saturday, in a game in which Rice will be vital if the Gunners are to gain all three points from Unai Emery.