Alan Pardew names the Arsenal player who could be the difference in them winning the league this season

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Arsenal scrambled over the line this weekend against Brentford to go top of the Premier League table ahead of the international break.

The Gunners then saw Liverpool and Man City play out a thrilling draw to ensure Mikel Arteta’s lead the way with the final part of the season to come.

For Arsenal, still being in the mix is a huge boost and after what happened last season. And crucially this season, they have some new players who have experience of winning trophies.

One of those is Declan Rice, who led West Ham to European glory. And speaking on TalkSPORT, former PL manager Alan Pardew has suggested Rice could well be the difference maker.

Declan Rice making a difference for Arsenal

Speaking about how Arteta can manage the last ten games or so, Pardew commented on how having Rice is a massive bonus for the club.

“All they’ve got to do is overcome this mental hurdle of what happened last year. All the stats are pointing that you’re good enough, you’re good enough, you’ve just got to see it over the line. The only thing I would add to that is the Rice factor. This kid has come in, sitting in front of the back two and has given them a stability and an assurance that they didn’t have last year. So if you’re an Arsenal fan, there’s a lot to cling on to,” Pardew said.

Next level signing

Spending over £100m on a player is always going to raise eyebrows even in today’s modern game. But there can be no suggestion that the Gunners have overpaid when it comes to Rice.

The England man has been simply sensational and there won’t be a single Arsenal fan out there who isn’t appreciating what Rice is bringing to the table.

Now top of the league, Arsenal have it in their hands. Win 10 games, and they are champions. It’s as simple as that.

Rice, then, has been a next level signing for Arsenal and if he gets that title winners medal, then