Not Thomas Partey,not Bukayo Saka: Jamie Carragher names two Arsenal players who have taken Gunners to ‘another level’
Arsenal have been taken to another level through the performances of William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus, claims Jamie Carragher. The Gunners currently sit atop the Premier League table and Carragher believes the duo have had the biggest roles in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Jesus has scored five goals in eight league matches since his £45million move from Manchester City in the summer. Saliba is a new signing in all but name having not made a first-team appearance for the club before this season.
The Frenchman has exceeded even the most optimistic Arsenal supporter’s expectations of him. Both players starred in the 3-1 north London derby win over Tottenham on Saturday.
Carragher has defended the approach of Spurs boss Antonio Conte. But he took nothing away from the Gunners, especially Saliba and Jesus.
He said on Monday Night Football: “I think a lot of people felt this season it would be maybe Spurs in the position Arsenal are right now. I’ve seen Spurs have got a bit of criticism, I hear what Gary [Neville] is saying, but in terms of how Conte plays, they played how a Conte team wants to play.
“If they’d have got the final pass right on three or four occasions, they should’ve actually got in at half time in front. But I take nothing away from Arsenal – I’ve been so impressed with them at the start of the season, the pace they play at, the football they play.
“The two signings, well Saliba has come in, and Jesus – they’ve just completely taken this team to another level.”
Arsenal are one point clear of second-placed Manchester City heading into this weekend’s Premier League action. Talk of a first title since 2004 is hotting up in north London.
But Gary Neville has poured cold water on the Gunners’ hopes by claiming City could win the title by up to 20 points. He said on the Gary Neville podcast: “I think they can win this league by 15-20 points. It feels like a ridiculous statement to make when they’re not even top of the league at this moment in time – but I think they’re that good.
“When the league settles down, when they start to really get into it. The signs are there, they’re scoring that many goals, they’ve got three of their best players missing today.”
