Arsenal would not win the Premier League title without unseen Declan Rice moments

Declan Rice has played in every game but one this season, and Arsenal fans believe that if it were not for the England midfielder, a title challenge would be impossible.

Rice has accumulated more minutes than any other Arsenal outfield player, missing out on only a 4-1 home victory against Aston Villa.

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The 27-year-old has contributed four goals and five assists in the Premier League this season.

He has been one of the frontrunners for the PFA awards, with many of the view that Rice is the most influential player in Mikel Arteta‘s side.

His importance to the squad has grown significantly with captain Martin Odegaard sidelined for much of this season, meaning Rice has also emerged as a leader.

‘No Rice, no title’

On talkSPORt’s latest episode of Inside Gooners, host Nick Bright asked the panel: “Has Declan Rice cemented himself as… I don’t want to say ‘most important’, because all the players are important… but our most influential player?”

The ‘Deluded Gooner’ insisted there are unseen Rice moments that make Arsenal so solid.

He replied: “He clearly is. When he can play in the No.6 or the No.8, there is no other player who can fill that role.

“We can focus on how Rice plays the ball forward but he’s the one who puts out fires. Atletico Madrid are so good on the ball and transitioning.

“The things he does to stop that and they might not get the headlines or make the highlights but that’s why Rice is vital.

“We are not the same team without Declan.”

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke added: “No Rice, no title.”

Rice has been referred to as ‘The Horse’ by his teammates due to the non-stop running attitude in his game.

He has covered the eighth-most distance in the Premier League this season, totalling 351.44km.

If Arsenal eventually win their first title in 22 years, Rice’s leadership skills and footballing ability will undoubtedly be credited.

The Arsenal star has frequently been seen encouraging Arteta’s side, specifically after they were defeated by rivals Manchester City.

While other players stood with their heads were in their hands, Rice could be spotted shouting a defiant message towards his teammates, insisting: “It’s not done, it’s not done.”

The Gunners have lost two of their last three league games, including the clash at the Etihad, which led to the two clubs going level on points with an equal number of games played.

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Arsenal regained their place at the top of the table with a victory over Newcastle in their last outing, although Man City are three points behind with a game in hand.

Regarding the PFA award debate, with Bruno Fernandes being compared to Rice, the Deluded Gooner had his take: “If we win the league, it’s Declan Rice.”