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.”

Mikel Arteta isn’t hiding his concern; he’s worried Arsenal’s push for a quadruple might fall apart if injuries keep piling up in his midfield.

Martin Odegaard missed the FA Cup win over Wigan after picking up a knock, so Arteta had to shift Bukayo Saka into central midfield. Now Arsenal’s captain joins Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino on the injury list after that tough draw with Brentford.

“Yeah, I’m worried, especially because it’s always something,” Arteta said. “First it was the strikers, then the defenders, and now it’s the midfielders.” He’s watching his squad get thinner while Arsenal are still fighting on every front, leading the Premier League, already in the League Cup final, and top of their Champions League group.

“We’re coping for now, but we need players back and healthy, not just to fill out the squad but to give us different options against whoever we face,” he said. “The sooner, the better.”

Against Wigan, Arteta was forced to play Saka in midfield during a comfortable 4-0 win, but that wasn’t the original plan. He wanted to use Myles Lewis-Skelly there, but a late injury to defender Riccardo Calafiori meant Saka had to step in. It might not be the last time, either.

“I wanted to try it, and we could use it again,” Arteta said. “We’ve got so many matches, so many competitions, and all sorts of scenarios left this season. That’s definitely an option.”

He likes what Saka brings in that role. “He’s more central, closer to the goal. It’s harder for opponents to track him. He can swap with the wide player; he finds those little pockets, and when he gets the ball there, he’s dangerous.”

To make matters worse, Ben White also left the pitch injured. Arteta said they’ll need to check on him.

Meanwhile, Eberechi Eze bounced back after being subbed off at halftime against Brentford, setting up two stunning goals for Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.

“I loved the risks he took in the final third, the shots he tried; it’s really positive,” Arteta said. “That’s what I want from him. Creative players need those moments to feel like they’re making a difference. I’m really pleased with that.”

He didn’t forget Martinelli, either. “Gabi’s run, his timing, the finish – it’s all really good. It’s great for the mood and the team’s confidence.”