Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League with seven games to go, and have the chance to win their first title in 20 years.
Mikel Arteta’s side are unbeaten in the league in 2024, and have been the standout team as they also recorded a win over Liverpool and a draw away at Manchester City in that time.
All three teams have been a level above the rest, and the trio are competing in one of the closest title races in Premier League history, with just one point separating all three sides.
Some of the league’s best players this season have featured for each of the trio, and the Player of the Year award will almost certainly be awarded to the best player from one of the sides.
England star Phil Foden is one of Man City’s main candidates for the award following his outstanding campaign, but Arsenal have a player who perhaps deserves it even more than him.
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Chris Sutton claims Declan Rice has been the Premier League’s best player
Pundit and former Chelsea star Chris Sutton has now claimed that Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice deserves to win the Player of the Year award over Foden because of his impact on the team.
Sutton responded to a claim on the It’s All Kicking Off Podcast that Foden deserves the award because of his production in big games and big moments, by stating that Rice has had a bigger impact on Arsenal than Foden on Man City.
“I’m not going to argue with any of that – a classy player which he is. But has he influenced Manchester City in the same way Declan Rice has influenced Arsenal?” Sutton explained.
“Of course it matters. It’s about the influence on the particular team,” he added.
Has Declan Rice had a bigger impact for Arsenal than Phil Foden for Man City?
Rice has been outstanding for Arsenalboth at the base of midfield as well as further forward, and has helped them develop the best defence in the league, whilst also contributing in attack.
The midfielder has also scored last-minute winners against Manchester United and Luton Town, as well as a crucial goal in a comeback draw against Chelsea, and his impact on the team has been mesmerising.
Foden has scored some excellent goals, but has only scored against Man United and Tottenham Hotspur when facing the top six, having failed to make an impact in front of goal in crunch games against Arsenal and Liverpool.
Overall, Rice has been more consistent, and had more of an impact on his side, and if Arsenal do go on to win the league, it will be as a result of his signing.