The Premier League title race has reached its boiling point, and the margins for error have effectively vanished.

Amid this late-season tension, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has delivered a fascinating verdict on exactly who holds the key to Arsenal ending their 22-year league drought.

DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL CAUGHTOFFSIDE APP FOR ALL THE LATEST & BREAKING UPDATES – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY

Rather than pointing to the established brilliance of Bukayo Saka or the relentless engine of Declan Rice, Ferdinand has championed an unexpected catalyst to help get Mikel Arteta’s men over the line.

Following Arsenal’s unexpected FA Cup exit at the hands of Championship side Southampton, Ferdinand used his platform to highlight the sensational emergence of 16-year-old Max Dowman.

Max Dowman has been a bright spark for Arsenal

The teenager was the undeniable bright spark in an otherwise gloomy cup tie for the Gunners, backing up a phenomenal breakthrough display against Everton where his dribbling and vision directly influenced two crucial goals.

For Ferdinand, integrating this fearless prodigy could provide the unpredictable, dynamic edge Arteta’s side...