Arsenal’s best player is regarded as the team’s critical vulnerability

Arsenal is enjoying a brilliant start to the new season, but according to former star Danny Murphy, the “Gunners” still have a fatal weakness if key player Declan Rice is absent.

After an impressive beginning to the new season, Arsenal is being praised by experts as the most complete team in England at the moment. Under the guidance of coach Mikel Arteta, the “Gunners” not only show dominant strength in the Premier League but also maintain consistent performance in the Champions League, making many rivals cautious.

However, within this seemingly perfect picture, there remains a single weakness, according to former player Danny Murphy, centered on Declan Rice’s position.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Danny Murphy stated: “Arsenal currently have few weaknesses. But if you remove Declan Rice from the lineup, they face a major problem because no one else can perform like him.”

Murphy’s warning is well-founded. In Arteta’s system, Rice is not only the “sweeper” shielding the defense but also a key link in ball circulation and counterattack organization. He possesses excellent stamina, strong game reading ability, and precise long passes, helping Arsenal maintain tempo and control of the match.

Since joining Emirates with a record transfer fee in summer 2023, Declan Rice has quickly proven his value. He has become an irreplaceable pillar in midfield, greatly contributing to Arsenal’s current success. With consistent form, solid defense, and sharp tactical thinking, Rice is always the first name on coach Arteta’s starting lineup.

However, if Rice is absent due to injury or suspension, Arsenal almost has no suitable alternative.

In this context, many believe that young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly could be a solution. The 18-year-old impressed with his dribbling and classy assist in the Champions League win over Atletico Madrid. Trained thoroughly as a central midfielder, Lewis-Skelly is expected to mature soon to share the burden with Rice.

Nevertheless, as Murphy confirms, lacking a true “replica” of Declan Rice remains Arsenal’s only weakness, despite the team showing readiness to compete for every title in the 2025/26 season.