• Former Liverpool star Danny Murphy has said that Declan Rice is the most important player in Arsenal’s title charge.

Arsenal are looking to win their first major trophy in 22 years, and according to Murphy, the form of England midfielder Rice will make this goal more attainable for Mikel Arteta’s side. Rice has hardly missed a game for the Gunners since his £105 million move from West Ham in 2023.

Despite the arrivals of Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi last summer, Murphy still views Rice as the “main man” at the Emirates Stadium.

“They’re not reliant now on one or two players,” the former England international said. “I still think Declan Rice is a massive player for them. I know they brought in Christian Nørgaard from Brentford, who is a good player actually—I like him a lot. But Rice has got that physical athleticism; he’s so good on the press. I’m not saying Arsenal wouldn’t win games without him, but I think he’s the one—he’s become their main man.”

Arsenal are currently three points clear of second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table heading into this weekend’s fixtures. Rice also played a key role in the club’s 4–0 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, providing the assist for Gabriel Magalhães’ opening goal.