Arsenal have seen their lead at the top of the Premier League table reduced to just two points after a crushing loss to Aston Villa at the weekend. Despite the loss, the Gunners have been incredible this season as they top not only the Premier League but also the Champions League.
Saka needs to step up
Arteta has access to a number of world-class talents at Arsenal, who may lead him to the club’s first title in over two decades. However, speaking to Snabbare, Petit was asked to name the club’s best player, which he admitted was a difficult task.
"It's quite difficult to answer this question because I'm still a huge fan of the two central defenders. I've been quite impressed with the full-backs as well. I think Bukayo Saka has been injured for quite a while. He had an assist yesterday, I think it was last year, last season, when he gave an assist. So it's not the same kind of Saka.
"He is still important, very important for the team. But can you imagine if he can reach the same level he had across the last two or three seasons? That would be something so important for Arsenal.”
Rice has changed Arsenal for the better
Arsenal will take their focus off of their title push this week as they travel to Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Saka will be one of the first names on the team sheet for Arteta but it is Declan Rice who Petit believes will be the real difference maker as he leads the North London sides’ midfield.
"For me, the midfield players, I'm very, very happy so far with the Spanish guys. I think Declan Rice is enjoying himself as well. He's coming back to his best level. I think against Bayern Munich he was amazing.
"So it's very hard to answer, it's the same question I've been asked last season about Paris Saint-Germain: Who is the best player? I don't know. There are so many players who are very good. It's the whole team, you know?
"So it's quite, for me, difficult to pick just one player in the team. They are so good all together.”
"I would probably say, because I'm a midfield player, too, I used to play central defence, too, but I've said so many good things about the central defenders or about Declan Rice.
"But since Declan Rice arrived at the club two years ago, I think something has changed. I like this guy a lot."
The England international is quite possibly the most vital cog in Arteta's side and without him Arsenal would not be operating at the highest level each and every week this season. The 25 year old has had his best season so far since joining from West Ham United and he will prove to be even more crucial as Arsenal enter a hectic, Christmas break.