Is Rice the midfield answer for Arsenal? + Eddie rockets up rankings
In this issue we look at how Declan Rice could fit in at Arsenal ahead of a rumoured summer move, how the Power Rankings have changed after the Oxford victory and more.
Arsenal have been performing at a really high level in the Premier League this season and much of it has hinged on the availability of midfield anchor Thomas Partey. His quality is there for all to see, but with a littered injury history since joining the club and approaching his 30s, Arsenal fans are starting to think about a medium-term successor. The lofty heights of the top of the table has seen a new calibre of name being linked to the club and most recently we’ve seen reported interest in Declan Rice.
Rice, who turns 24 next week, is one of the most highly-rated defensive midfielders in the league and it seemed a foregone conclusion that he would eventually leave West Ham for his boyhood club Chelsea. Now with Chelsea languishing in midtable, it’s unlikely he will push to leave the Hammers without joining a club that can offer him Champions League football. Step forward Arsenal. A club that is clearly on a positive trajectory.
Watch our video below which compares Thomas Partey with Declan Rice to see if he would be a good investment for Arsenal in the summer.
Arsenal Power Rankings update
After Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Oxford United on Monday night, there have been some significant shifts in the Power Rankings.
Risers - Eddie Nketiah stole the show in the second half against Oxford and with that he rocketed from 11th to 7th. He has now scored 4 goals in the 4 games since coming into the starting lineup for the injured Gabriel Jesus.
Gabriel Magalhaes also had a brilliant game at Oxford and has been very solid for Arsenal in recent weeks, he’s moved up two places from 6th to 4th in the latest update.
Fallers - It wasn’t a nice evening for Albert Sambi Lokonga who would’ve been looking to make a statement. His position of 17th in these rankings highlights his lack of influence in this team and his long term future may be in question as a result.
Thomas Partey has dropped a few positions, more due to the fact he didn’t feature tonight. As the scores show below, it’s very tight in those top 10 positions.
Podcast
Have a listen to our latest podcast below. We discuss Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Oxford United and the latest transfer developments. Subscribe to us on Apple or Spotify.
Arsenal content of the week
Arsenal have appointed ‘Tekkers Guru’ Hussein Isa as attacking-phase coach - Find out more in a report from the Evening Standard.
Arsenal top scorers and assists as it stands
