Jamie Carragher names ‘most significant reason’ behind Arsenal’s Premier League title charge

Jamie Carragher believes Declan Rice is a Player of the Year contender and the key factor behind Arsenal’s title charge. Signed for a club-record £105million last summer, the jury was out about whether the England star could make the step up from West Ham United. Rice had just helped the Hammers secure the Conference League - their first trophy since 1980 - before making the switch across London.

The 25-year-old has taken to Gunners life like a fish to water - adding a goal to his game since arriving at the Emirates. Any doubters about the price tag have been silenced, with Arsenal launching another Premier League bid.

Arsenal have a chance to gain ground on their title rivals as Liverpool and Manchester City go head-to-head this weekend. Ahead of the clash, former Reds defender Carragher named a Player of the Year candidate from all three clubs - and paid special tribute to Rice.

"All three contenders are the main contributors driving their sides forward,” he told The Telegraph. "The difference between City, Liverpool and Arsenal is this: take Van Dijk or Rice out of their side, and neither club would be contenders.

“City would still be thriving without Foden. I have long championed Foden. In terms of pure talent, he is England’s best player. Arsenal are five points worse off than this time last year and yet they are a better side, more structurally sound and resilient.

“There is no expectation they will falter as they did at this point 12 months ago. Rice is the most significant reason for that, adding a steeliness to the team’s spine.

"Van Dijk has been the league’s best centre-back for six years. If I was having a bet, my money would follow my head and be on Foden. Most neutrals and England fans will be hoping for Rice. I don’t need to say what my heart is saying."