Carragher picks Arsenal star as ‘most influential player in Premier League’

Jamie Carragher believes an Arsenal star may just be “the most influential player in the Premier League” after the Gunners beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at the Emirates on Sunday.

Aberchie Eze showed his enviable technique to fire the ball into the corner of the goal against his former club to score his winner after a quick reaction second from a Declan Rice free-kick.

We thought it prudent to prepare a match report for the remaining 29 games of the season After winning it in highly predictable fashion, the result meant the Gunners extended their lead at the top of the table to four points after Manchester City’s 1-0 defeat by Aston Villa.

It was centre-back Gabriel who knocked the ball down for Eze and, after another brilliant defensive performance from the Brazilian, Carragher made a bold claim about his influence over other Premier League players.

Asked if the Crystal Palace squad would have groaned if they saw Gabriel on the Arsenal team sheet, Carragher said. Sky Sports: “Yes. I think you could make an argument that he could be seen as the most influential player in the Premier League right now.

“When you think about the clean sheets and the defensive record weapons and the threat is also in the set pieces.

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Former West Ham midfielder Nigel Reeve Coker hailed the 27-year-old as “one of the best centre-backs in the world” following the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

“For me, Arsenal have taken it to another level this season,” former West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reeve Coker said on CBS Sports.

“They look really tough to beat, they’re well organised, there’s real strength in depth now so there’s no excuses, they’ve got everything they need.

“They have the weapons to win the top trophy, it is in their hands. They have also taken the defense to a new level and they are very difficult to beat.

“We need to have a conversation about Gabriel and ask, is he now one of the best centers in the world? I think so.

“Look at the role he plays in the final third. What I love about him is that he has such a desire to get to the ball, whether it’s behind or when he goes up.

“The two centre-backs pride themselves on keeping clean sheets and are willing to defend all day. Arsenal may have the best defense in European football right now.”