Arteta Told Arsenal Possess the Premier League’s “Best Player” After Brentford Victory

Mikel Arteta has been told that Arsenal currently boast the “best player in the Premier League”, following a composed 2–0 win over Brentford that strengthened their position at the top of the table.

Arsenal restored their five-point cushion over Manchester City on Wednesday night, with Mikel Merino’s early strike and Bukayo Saka’s stoppage-time finish securing a tenth league victory of the campaign. The result came less than 24 hours after City had edged Fulham 5–4 in a dramatic encounter, but the Gunners responded with authority at the Emirates Stadium.

Former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock lavished praise on Arsenal’s squad, but singled out Declan Rice, describing him as the division’s outstanding performer.

“I could pick from a lot of the Arsenal team this season, but Declan Rice has been outstanding,” Warnock told WhichBookie. “He’s the best player in the league at the moment. He’s been phenomenal this season and it suits him playing higher up the pitch. He was frustrated at times last year when playing deeper as a six, but now he has more freedom.”

Rice, a pivotal figure in Arsenal’s title push, caused concern among supporters after being forced off with a calf issue during the second half. Arteta confirmed the England international would undergo assessment on Thursday, placing him in significant doubt for Saturday’s high-profile meeting with third-placed Aston Villa.

Arteta stressed the importance of Rice’s fitness as Arsenal seek to maintain their relentless form and claim a first Premier League title since the Invincibles season in 2003–04.

Reflecting on the victory over Brentford, Arteta said he felt his side were largely in control despite the visitors’ threat from set pieces.

“I’m really happy with the performance, the win, the clean sheet,” he said. “We faced a very difficult team. Brentford don’t need much — a throw-in, a set-piece — they’re exceptional in those situations. One-nil is never enough against them.”

He continued:
“They created a few dangerous moments, particularly from long throws and a corner where we had to make a big save. Aside from that, I thought we dominated the game and created the clearer chances, but until the second goal goes in, it’s never over.”

Arsenal remain five points clear of second-placed Manchester City, while Aston Villa climbed to third after a dramatic 4–3 victory over Brighton. Chelsea slipped to fourth following a surprise defeat to Leeds United, and Crystal Palace sit fifth, though Manchester United could move level with Chelsea if they beat West Ham at Old Trafford on Thursday night.