Former Arsenal player Gilberto Silva has singled out one player as the reason why The Gunners have been able to sustain their title challenge.

Arsenal enjoyed a terrific season last year but ultimately fell away towards the end as Manchester City surpassed them to win the Premier League title.

Though, they’ve learnt from that experience and this term, they’ve been able to sustain pressure on City and have every chance of winning the league.

Silva has credited that down to one player.

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Gilberto Silva says Declan Rice has been vital

Speaking to the Mirror, Silva explained why Declan Rice has been vital in Arsenal’s sustained title race unlike this time last year when they fell apart.

“It helps a lot because you don’t depend only on just a few players to score goals, which is important because, as you know, the season is quite long, it’s very difficult. Declan is powerful, he gets the ball back from the opponent, but also with the run forward,” the 47-year-old said.

Rice eats up ground and his ball-winning ability is second to none but it’s his ability to drive Mikel Arteta’s men forward that has been the difference, as Silva alluded to.

Last season’s side lacked someone with that ability and with the character to stand up in difficult moments.

The former Hammers man has that in abundance.

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Arsenal still need a favour

Whilst The Gunners have certainly made progress, they still need a favour, as City are in pole position to land their fourth title in a row.

Arsenal need to win their remaining two and hope for either Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham United to beat Pep Guardiola’s relentless men.

Anyhow, it’s become pretty evident, that Arteta and his players have learnt from last season and the £105m acquisition of Rice is one of the contributing factors to their newfound mental fortitude.

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