If Arsenal go on to win the Premier League title, then Declan Rice has been the difference-maker.
The 25-year-old moved to the Emirates with huge expectations on his shoulders and hope that he could bring back the glory days.
Arsenal paid a club-record transfer for his talents and made their intentions clear as to what they think of the one-time West Ham United captain.
Fast forward to the present and Declan Rice has probably been his side’s best player this season.
You could even argue that the all-action midfielder has been the best signing of the season and the best player in the Premier League right now.
But not everybody was overjoyed by what they were seeing from Rice at the start of the campaign.
Richard Keys admitted that Rice is a ‘Rolls-Royce’ of a midfielder, but felt he was more ‘Declan Nice’, as he wrote in his personal blog.
The beIN Sports presenter added that the Arsenal star was playing it ‘sideways’ and ‘backwards’ under orders from Mikel Arteta, which was ‘frustrating’ because his ‘talent was being wasted’.
As Rice has become more comfortable in his new surroundings and used to what Arteta wants from him, he is starting to shine a lot more, especially in the final third.
That was proven when he scored and assisted during Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Bournemouth recently, as Keys is now changing his mind about the player.
Declan Rice in Arsenal’s midfield
“Rice is a Rolls Royce,” said Keys. “I said as much earlier in the season when I blasted him for being Declan Nice. He was tippy-tappying about in midfield, playing second fiddle to Zinchenko, playing sideways and backwards. That’s not his game.
“I know it’s what he was being asked to do, but it was frustrating to see such a talent being wasted. Arsenal have looked so much better when they’ve played with Jorghino or – freeing Rice to get involved all over the pitch.
“Anyway – it’s great to see Rice back doing what he does best and of course West Ham have missed him.”
Arsenal’s clash against Manchester United
In years gone by, this fixture has always been the big one. Sir Alex Ferguson v Arsene Wenger.
Two legendary figures pitting their tactical wits against one another with some of the greats of the game on the pitch. From Roy Keane to Patrick Vieira.
But now Manchester United v Arsenal has lost its edge. Mainly because both teams have fallen off, certainly those from Old Trafford.
Arsenal go into this match with their Premier League title hopes on the line, whilst Manchester United were smashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace on Monday night.
This should be a walk in the park for the London club, but as Man United proved during their games against Liverpool this season, it might not be that straightforward.