Gabriel Jesus has proved a transformative signing for Arsenal

What Erling Haaland is doing at Manchester City is absolutely remarkable — but I believe Arsenal’s capture of Gabriel Jesus has been the signing of the season.

If you compare Arsenal before Jesus arrived to how they are looking now, that is where we’ve seen the biggest transformation of all the teams in the Premier League.

The Brazil international is something different. He brings such a high level of quality, work-rate and enthusiasm — not to mention the goals he has scored.

What does concern me is that if the Gunners were to lose him to injury, the gap in quality between him and what is on the bench is massive, so Mikel Arteta will be keen to manage his striker’s workload.

Spirits continue to be high at the Emirates after the North London derby win and beating Liverpool may force the rest of the league to take the Gunners seriously.

They have enjoyed an excellent season so far but the question remains whether it is just a good run of form or something they can sustain longer term.

I feel it is still too early to call them title contenders. But if they reach the break for the World Cup with a one or two-point lead over Manchester City at the top, I may have to reconsider that stance.

After Sunday’s home clash with the Reds, they have a favourable run of fixtures before the Premier League breaks — with Chelsea the biggest test among games against Leeds, Southampton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

They’ve already beaten Tottenham and despite losing at Manchester United, they played very well and the performance was certainly there.

Arsenal remain top of the Premier League after beating North London rivals Tottenham last weekend

That is the big plus for them. They are getting results but also doing it with their own unique style under Arteta. There is a philosophy you can see is being regularly worked on.

Given Liverpool’s inconsistency this season, there is no reason Arsenal can’t get a result on Sunday to set them up nicely for those coming games.

Along with Jesus, plenty of others have made a massive difference for the North Londoners this season. 

William Saliba is exceptional. He’s so calm and his decision-making is superb. Thomas Partey has been regularly fit and now looks the player they always hoped he would be. 

Granit Xhaka also deserves a lot of credit. He has not always been loved by fans but now looks at home in the midfield.

The way the manager has handled his situation has been impressive. We’ve seen Arteta discard other players if he feels they are bad for the group. 

While unpopular at times, it’s clear the Swiss international hasn’t been disruptive internally.

It’s an eye opener for supporters because while performances might not always be at the level you hope them to be, players mean more to clubs than just what you see on the field.

Xhaka is one of the leaders in the dressing room and even when things haven’t gone his way, he has still been trusted to perform and we are now seeing the impact he is having.

Granit Xhaka has been pivotal to Arsenal’s impressive season so far

Anyway, let’s have a look at my weekend predictions.

Joleon Lescott’s Premier League Matchday 10 predictions

Bournemouth vs Leicester (Saturday, 3pm)

The 4-0 win against Nottingham Forest was a huge statement for everyone at Leicester — not least manager Brendan Rodgers.

I don’t think there’s ever been a question of the Foxes not playing for him. Sometimes they have made mistakes that have been punished by top-quality opposition but they finally put in a complete performance on Monday.

I expect them to continue with that level of confidence against Bournemouth and claim another victory.

Prediction: Bournemouth 1-2 Leicester

Chelsea vs Wolves (Saturday, 3pm)

It was a solid performance by Chelsea against a top European team in AC Milan in midweek.

With Wolves without a manager and seemingly unsure of what direction they even want to go in, it’s difficult to predict what their team will even look like.

It’s hard to see anything other than a win for Graham Potter’s men.

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Wolves

Source: Livescore