After seeing their title challenge collapse last season as Manchester City won their third in a row, Arsenal regrouped over the summer, invested well and now look ready to go one better.
Declan Rice is the biggest example of where Arsenal have nailed their recruitment and the Englishman looks like he’s worth every penny of that £105m outlay.
The 24-year-old has proven to be the missing piece in their midfield, the one capable of shielding the defence but also grabbing the headlines in the final third.
Against Luton on Tuesday night, Rice certainly seized the opportunity to write his name on the back pages.
His last-gasp header saw Arsenal seal a 4-3 victory at Kenilworth Road to keep their spot at the top of the Premier League.
The capture of the former West Ham United star isn’t the only time that the Gunners have got their recruitment spot on as emphasized by the signing of Gabriel Jesus last season.
Jesus has been a revelation since arriving from Manchester City and there’s one telling statistic that underlines his importance to Arteta.
Gabriel Jesus has never lost a Premier League match in which he has scored in
In 58 Premier League matches that he’s scored in, Jesus has never been on the losing side, winning 53 and drawing five of those games.
Although his goal record this season has been far from impressive, netting twice in ten top flight matches, the Brazilian is one who makes this system tick.
He uses his strength to hold up the ball and bring his team mates into play – as seen with his clever assist for Bukayo Saka against Wolves – while also being the one who initiates the press.
The 26-year-old may not have the goal record to suggest he’s a world-class striker but it’s his exceptional link up play and selfless work off the ball that get the best out of Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
A real thorn in the side of defenders, former Manchester City defender, Micah Richards, previously lauded him as “sensational” and that statement certainly holds a lot of weight.
In the victory over Luton, he lead the line superbly by contributing a goal and an assist while making five key passes and two successful dribbles.
If Arteta can get his 64-cap international firing on a regular basis, the above statistic suggests that Arsenal have a brilliant chance of winning their first Premier League title since 2004.
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