Martin Keown has overlooked Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes to name a surprise choice as Arsenal’s player of the season so far.

The Gunners cemented their commanding position at the top of the Premier League on Saturday following a 3-0 home win over Sunderland.

With 13 games to go, Mikel Arteta’s side appear increasingly likely to end their 22-year wait to be crowned league champions having opened up a nine-point lead over Manchester City and Aston Villa.

Arsenal’s campaign has been built on a formidable defence led by Gabriel whose prowess in both penalty boxes has proven decisive on many occasions.

Rice, meanwhile, has enjoyed arguably the best season of his career to date but Keown believes his midfield partner, Martin Zubimendi, has been even more influential.

Arteta’s influence proved pivotal in persuading his compatriot to join the north London club following his late decision to turn Liverpool down a year earlier.

Even the Arsenal manager, however, has been taken aback by the 27-year-old’s impact and it was the Spain international again who broke the game open yesterday with a sensational long-range strike.

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