Arsenal star singled out as 'best in the league' after Mikel Arteta masterstroke

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Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has developed into the best player in the Premier League after being pushed forward by Mikel Arteta . That's according to former England defender Stephen Warnock , who has been impressed by the England star's role in the Gunners' title charge this term.

Rice has started all but one of Arsenal's games this season as they have opened up a five-point lead at the top of the table after 14 matches. He has done so in a more advanced role, too, with the summer addition of deep-lying midfielder Martin Zubimendi giving him more freedom and allowing him to contribute two goals and four assists.

"I could pick out of a lot of the Arsenal team when it comes to who I think has been the best 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 a bit frustrated when playing deeper as a six last season, but now he’s got some more freedom."

Rice played 83 minutes on Wednesday as Arsenal beat Brentford to preserve their five-point advantage over closest challengers Manchester City . Makeshift striker Mikel Merino scored a first-half opener, with Bukayo Saka coming off the bench to add a late second.

However, there were a couple of injury worries for Mikel Arteta. Rice himself was forced off late on , while Cristhian Mosquera became the third Gunners centre-back handed an injury setback after recent blows for William Saliba and Gabriel.

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"Yes, obviously it's never good news. Declan had to come off. We don't know," Arteta said when asked by reporters about Rice. "We have to see tomorrow what he's got.

"And Mosquera is the other one that is out. Obviously we have big Gabi and Willy out as well. So we have to adapt. It's been a theme of this season. But when I look at the players, they haven't been playing much."

Arsenal don't have too long a break before returning to Premier League action away at Aston Villa on Saturday. Villa were also victorious on Wednesday, with Unai Emery's side coming from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at Brighton and end the evening in third.

The Villa game is one of eight for Arsenal in December, and Arteta reminded people of the toll it could take on his squad. "We've never had such a schedule on every level, not only in the Premier League, but every competition internationally as well," he said.

"So we need to try to do that, please. I think it's common sense. I think at some point this becomes too much, you know, and the players are not machines. But we have to try to do that when we can."

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