Martin Keown names Arsenal’s player of the season – and it’s not Declan Rice or Gabriel

Arsenal are cruising towards the Premier League title, and it’s Martin Zubimendi who has been their standout player of the season.

That’s the view of Gunners legend Martin Keown after they took one big step towards the coveted trophy with a 2-0 win over Sunderland.

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Sunderland were able to hold off their hosts throughout much of the first half, but Arsenal were finally rewarded before the break.

Zubimendi smashed in a first-time effort into the bottom corner to break the deadlock and put the leaders on the front foot.

The goal was his sixth for Arsenal since his £55million move from Real Sociedad in the summer.

But it’s his overall midfield game that has received plaudits from far and wide, so much so that he could receive an exclusive honour.

His goal, alongside a double from Viktor Gyokeres, have put Arsenal nine points clear at the top for the first time since their last title win in the 2003/04 campaign.

Speaking after talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham asked ‘Invincible’ Keown: “Zubimendi, could he be the player of the season?

“A lot of people are talking about Declan Rice, Granit Xhaka has been mentioned as well, but Zubimendi, understated, has been one of the very best players in the Premier League this season, right?”

Keown then explained: “He runs the Spanish national team, you know, that midfield, and he plays in central midfield for Arsenal.

“So, if it’s going to be a flick of the coin between these two… when I look back to playing with Manny [Emmanuel] Petit and Patrick Vieira, I thought they were in a contest every week to be man of the match.

“That’s what you need to be champions, that engine room has to be top level, and it currently is right now.”

AFP

AFP

It’s Arsenal’s title to lose

After three consecutive seasons of heartbreak, Arsenal look set to finally cross the line in first.

They have responded to a recent run of three matches without a win by claiming back-to-back victories in the league.

As it stands, all that appears to be preventing Arsenal from winning their first league title in 22 years is a dramatic collapse.

Manchester City are their closest rivals in second and, even if they win against Liverpool on Sunday, will still be six points adrift.

Arsenal are scheduled to travel to City on April 18 in what could be a title-deciding clash.

However, they could get the job done way before then and end their long wait to become champions of England again.