Paul Merson, an Arsenal legend, believes Declan Rice has elevated his former club to new heights this season as they contend for the Premier League title.
In a £105 million transfer from West Ham last summer, the England international midfielder joined the Gunners and has made a significant impact at the Emirates.
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Rice’s recent performances have been outstanding, contributing two goals and four assists in his last four appearances in the Premier League.
As Arsenal strive to secure their first Premier League title in 20 years this season, they will rely on Rice to maintain his exceptional form.
Despite their close challenge against Manchester City last season, Arsenal fell short due to a late setback.
Currently positioned third in the 2023-24 campaign, with only 11 fixtures remaining, they trail second-placed City by a single point and leaders Liverpool by two points.
‘Arsenal will go top on Saturday if they get the job done against Brentford, who have a lot of good players out, so they’ve got to put the pressure on the others,’ Merson told Sky Sports.
‘They are so different to last season because Declan Rice has taken them to another level.
‘He’s up there with Rodri and that’s why Man City and Arsenal have great defences. They are so disciplined it’s unbelievable.
‘Arsenal have won seven in a row now and that break they had has helped them, but when you look back at their results, I hope the week when Fulham and West Ham beat them isn’t what costs them.
‘They’ve taken their goal difference to another level in the last few weeks though. They were behind and now they’ve almost got an extra point with it. That could be massive.
‘However, the acid test is going to be at Man City on March 31. We’ll see how far Arsenal have come then.
‘But you’ve got to keep on winning these games to make sure you get there and that’s what they’re doing.’
