Martin Keown Snubs Declan Rice, Names Surprising Arsenal Player of Season
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has made a bold declaration, overlooking star midfielder Declan Rice and defensive stalwart Gabriel Magalhaes to name a surprise choice as the Gunners' player of the season so far. This comes as Mikel Arteta's side solidifies their commanding position at the Premier League summit, following a convincing 3-0 home victory over Sunderland on Saturday.
Arsenal's Title Charge and Defensive Foundation
With just 13 games remaining in the season, Arsenal appear increasingly likely to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title. They have opened up a significant nine-point lead over closest rivals Manchester City and Aston Villa. The campaign has been built on a formidable defensive unit, expertly marshalled by Gabriel, whose prowess in both penalty areas has proven decisive on numerous occasions.
Declan Rice, meanwhile, has enjoyed what many consider the finest season of his career to date. His influence in midfield has been immense, yet Keown believes his midfield partner has been even more instrumental to the team's success.
Keown's Surprise Pick: Martin Zubimendi
In a surprising verdict, Keown has pinpointed Spanish international Martin Zubimendi as Arsenal's most influential player this term. Arteta's personal influence was pivotal in persuading his compatriot to join the north London club last summer, following Zubimendi's late decision to turn down a move to Liverpool a year earlier.
"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 told talkSPORT. "He runs the Spanish national team, you know, that midfield, and he plays in central midfield for Arsenal."
Even manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly been taken aback by the 27-year-old's immediate impact. Zubimendi demonstrated his quality again in the win over Sunderland, breaking the game open with a sensational long-range strike to put the hosts ahead.
The Engine Room of Champions
Drawing on his own playing experience, Keown emphasised the importance of a dominant midfield partnership in a title-winning side. He compared the current dynamic to his time playing alongside Emmanuel Petit and Patrick Vieira.
"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," Keown explained. "That’s what you need to be champions, that engine room has to be top level, and it currently is right now."
Impact from the Bench Secures Victory
Following Zubimendi's opener against Sunderland, the Gunners' strength in depth was on full display. Substitute Viktor Gyokeres came off the bench to score twice, taking his personal tally to four goals in as many matches. His second was laid on by fellow substitute Gabriel Martinelli, who raced clear of the defence deep into stoppage time.
Arteta was full of praise for his impact players, or "finishers", as he continues to rotate his squad amid a hectic fixture schedule. "We had to take the game to a different level because the game started to get a bit more open and we brought the finishers on and they were incredible," the Spaniard said.
"I saw their reaction immediately when I gave the line-up in the dressing room and I looked at Viktor and Gabi. They know how important their role is when you come on and some days it’s going to be even more important than starting the game. That’s a key message that we’ve been trying to pass to them. The good thing is that they’re experiencing that every single game."
This collective strength, from undisputed starters like Zubimendi to impactful substitutes, is forging a powerful Arsenal side that looks increasingly capable of securing long-awaited Premier League glory.
