In recent discussions on TalkSPORT, Darren Bent indirectly suggested that William Saliba and Declan Rice hold greater importance to Arsenal at the moment than Bukayo Saka.
Despite Saka’s rise as a star player under Mikel Arteta, contributing significantly to goals with 19 goals and 18 assists in the last 52 Premier League games, Bent’s comments hinted at the pivotal roles of Saliba and Rice in the Gunners’ current setup.
While ESPN FC recognized Saka as the best winger globally for the 2022-23 season in a list published in July, Bent’s viewpoint on TalkSPORT implies that Saliba and Rice may currently be more crucial to Arteta’s plans.
When asked if Declan Rice had become Arsenal’s most important player, Bent responded, indicating that Saliba should also be part of that conversation, notably omitting Saka from the discussion.
Declan Rice, acquired in a £105 million transfer from West Ham United in the summer, has brought defensive solidity to Arsenal’s midfield. Meanwhile, Saliba, aged 22, has become an indispensable figure in the team since his debut in August 2022. Both players have featured in every Premier League and UEFA Champions League game this season, showcasing their significance in the Gunners’ spine across midfield and defense.
Despite these perspectives, Arsenal maintains its leadership in the league, sitting two points clear at the top after gameweek 15.
The team secured a hard-fought 4-3 victory against Luton Town, with Declan Rice’s late stoppage-time goal sealing the win. In this match, Bukayo Saka registered his 11th assist of the season after providing the pass for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal. Saka’s creative contributions continue to stand out, leading all players in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of assists.
In the broader league context, Liverpool remains within striking distance, trailing Arsenal by two points after a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United. Aston Villa, with 32 points from 15 matches, surprised Manchester City with a 1-0 win at Villa Park, narrowing the gap to Arsenal to just four points.
Manchester City, accustomed to league success in recent years, finds themselves in fourth place with 30 points and faces a winless streak in their last four Premier League matches. The competitive landscape sets the stage for an intriguing title race as the season progresses.
