Rio Ferdinand thinks Gabriel Jesus is going to be a huge presence for Arsenal in the next few months, not just on the pitch, but maybe even more behind the scenes. Arsenal haven’t had a lot of title winners in their squad lately, and Jesus is one of the few who’s actually been there and done it. That stuff matters, especially now.

Right now, Arsenal have a four-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. But they just dropped points against Brentford, and City are lurking. Arsenal haven’t lifted a domestic title in more than 20 years, and, let’s be honest, City have snatched it away from them twice in the last three seasons. City knows how to turn it on when it really counts, and with them breathing down Arsenal’s necks, people are starting to wonder if the nerves are kicking in for the Gunners.

Ferdinand, in his latest video, said Jesus could be exactly what Arsenal need right now: a calming, experienced head in the dressing room. The guy won four titles with City, so he knows what it takes. Ferdinand looked back at his own title races and said, “If I were in that Arsenal dressing room, I’d be telling the lads, ‘It’s a point away from home; let’s keep going.’ Fans get emotional, but the players can’t afford to.”

He went on, 'What really matters is what’s said after a tough result.' Are the players panicking, thinking, “Here we go again,” or are they pulling together and reminding each other, “Look, we’re going to drop points sometimes; it’s all about how we respond"? That’s where experience is huge. And that’s why Jesus might be so important for them right now. He’s one of the few in the squad who’s actually won big before. When things get tense, the rest of the players will be looking to someone like him for answers and a bit of guidance.

Jesus hasn’t played much this season; he had knee surgery and missed most of the campaign, but he’s looked sharp since coming back. Still, Viktor Gyökeres, their new summer signing, has nailed down the main striker spot.

Arsenal have a big week ahead. They’re away at Wolves on Wednesday; then it’s the North London derby against Spurs on Sunday. Wolves have only won once all season and look like they’re heading down, but Jesus isn’t looking past them. “We’re not thinking about the derby. We’re only focused on Wolves, and that’s a tough away game,” he said. “We know their situation, but they’re a good team and a big club. They need the points, so we can’t switch off. Our goal is to go to Wolves, get the win, and that’s it.”

Emmanuel Petit thinks Arsenal fans might have a lot to celebrate by the end of the season – a Premier League title after all these years and maybe even a Ballon d’Or winner in their squad.

Right now, Arsenal sit four points clear of Manchester City with just 12 games to go. It’s been almost two decades since they last won the league, and after three straight years finishing second, this feels different. The team finally looks ready to break the drought.

Yeah, they dropped points against Brentford with that 1-1 draw, but honestly, they’ll expect to bounce back on Wednesday against Wolves, who are struggling at the bottom. After that, all eyes turn to Sunday’s huge north London derby with Tottenham. Big week ahead.

Arsenal are still fighting on all fronts and are still alive in every competition, which is no small feat. Petit is backing them to finally grab that Premier League title, and he thinks that kind of success can open the door for individual awards too.

No Arsenal player has ever won the Ballon d’Or, but Petit believes Declan Rice could change that. Rice has been outstanding, both in the league and in Europe. If he keeps this up, and especially if he shines at the World Cup this summer, he’s got a real shot at picking up some big honours when the Ballon d’Or comes around in September.

Petit put it pretty simply: Declan Rice might be leading the Ballon d’Or race right now, but the World Cup matters too. Still, he’s clear Rice and Arsenal have to win something this season. You can be as talented as you want, but if you don’t have trophies to show for it, you’re not in the conversation with the best.

It’s not enough just to be recognised as a special player. To really be considered one of the greats, you need to win titles.

The closest Arsenal ever came to a Ballon d’Or winner was Thierry Henry finishing second in 2003, just behind Pavel Nedved. Now Rice, who’s 27 and cost Arsenal £105 million from West Ham last year, is probably their most important player. He’s already been named in back-to-back PFA Teams of the Year, helped England reach two European Championship finals, and just keeps raising his game.

Even Gary Lineker recently said Rice is one of the frontrunners for Premier League Player of the Season. He was chatting with his mates about it; if United keep going strong and Bruno Fernandes keeps piling up goals and assists, he’s in the mix too. Erling Haaland’s name always comes up, especially if he starts scoring again. Gabriel, Arsenal’s defender, deserves a shout as well.

But right now? There’s no clear winner yet. Still, Lineker called Bruno “a bloody good footballer", and you know what, the same goes for Rice. He’s been massive for Arsenal. And if things keep going their way, he could be lifting some serious silverware both for the team and on his own.