"He’s a massive plus to the Arsenal team" - Former Manchester City star believes one Gunners star is 'key' to PL title challenge this season

Former Manchester City star Shaun Wright-Phillips believes Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice will play a major role in the Gunners' title charge this season. The retired winger insists that the England international was a great signing made by the North London outfit this summer.

Wright-Phillips told Betway (as quoted by football.london):

“For me, Declan Rice was a massive buy. If you look at, say, City’s team, he would be in there as well. He’s added a lot of goals to his game.I think he was called out at a point last season saying he doesn’t get enough goals, and in my opinion I was like: ‘I don’t really care if my CDM gets goals, as long as he cleans up and does the job he’s meant to’."

He added:

“But he’s taken on all the criticism and he’s now getting goals – and crucial goals, game-changing goals – and also controlling games, playing well, being in the right position, cleaning up. I think he’s a massive plus to the Arsenal team right now. If they are going to go for the title this year, I think he’s going to be a key to them doing that."

Arsenal signed Rice from West Ham United this summer for a club-record fee worth £105 million. The England international has been in great form since his arrival at the Emirates, recording two goals and one assist in 13 appearances across all competitions.

Notably, he has scored against Chelsea and Manchester United in the English top tier this season. It remains to be seen whether he can help Arsenal end their 20-year wait for a league title.

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"I really do" - Chris Sutton says Liverpool will be 'a bigger challenger' than Arsenal in PL title race

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has backed Liverpool to re-enter the title race this season. The pundit believes the Reds will pose a bigger threat to reigning English champions Manchester City than the Gunners this term.

He said (via the Echo):

"Yes, they are title contenders. Not just because of the midfield players they've brought in but the rotation they've had in the forward areas. They never leave Salah out but they've got so many good options. I'm still slightly worried about them defensively."

The former Chelsea forward added:

"But I was at the Etihad at the weekend and Manchester City were brilliant in the first half [in their 2-1 win over Brighton] but they're looking a little bit vulnerable. I think Liverpool will be a bigger challenger to Manchester City than Arsenal this season, I really do."

Liverpool are currently fourth in the standings, having earned 20 points from nine league encounters this campaign. The Reds have been in great form so far and are one point behind third-placed Arsenal.

The Gunners, meanwhile, are level on points with title rivals Manchester City. Arteta's men will look to build on the 2022–23 campaign, when they vehemently challenged City for the title before falling short in a string of losses in the final stretch of the season.