DECLAN RICE

Few voices believed that Arsenal were truly overpaying for the England midfielder when they shattered their transfer record to bring him in from West Ham for £105m, but Rice has looked worth every penny in nearly every performance since he first pulled on the shirt.

The Gunners already have a strong captain in Martin Odegaard, but Rice’s leadership skills in the engine room have been invaluable, with the player’s latest appearance showing Manchester City exactly what they missed out on when Arsenal finally bested Pep Guardiola’s side at the 13th time of asking.

Even in difficult circumstances, Rice has shone – he was one of few players to produce a consistent performance during Arsenal’s defeat to Lens in their latest Champions League clash.

It was noticeable how the Gunners looked visibly weakened when the 24-year-old was substituted off during the north London derby, as one of the few able to contain an explosive Maddison.

RATING: 9/10 

Declan Rice made the £105million switch from West Ham to Arsenal over the summer