Arsenal can move back to the top of the Premier League with a win against Liverpool this afternoon.
The Gunners have lost just one game in all competitions so far this season after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Mikel Arteta has played down talk of a potential title challenge this season but his players continue to perform and pick up impressive results, shown by Arsenal's commanding North London Derby win over Tottenham last time out.
The arrival of Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City in a £45million deal has seen the Gunners challenge his former side at the top of the table ahead of the 2022 World Cup, with the Brazilian's new teammates commending his 'winning mentality' as a positive impact on the squad. Arteta's tactical tweak has seen a number of players improve their performances including Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, whilst Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka have quickly struck a strong relationship in attack with Jesus.
READ MORE: Fabinho sends blunt five-word warning to Arsenal ahead of Liverpool Premier League clash
Speaking to Betfair, the former Manchester United defender believes Arsenal are the 'real deal' and are no longer 'babies' as they look to return to the top of the Premier League table with a statement win against Liverpool. Evra said: "I'm really surprised with Arsenal and the way they played against Tottenham.
"They were on fire and they deserved to win the game. Even if Tottenham had some great chances.
"I was the first one to question Xhaka and why he was playing for Arsenal, but what a comeback, this shows you how much of a leader he is because he was being booed by his own fans. Thomas Partey's role can't go unnoticed either, he is making life easy for Xhaka. He also scored a great goal against Spurs."
The French icon has hailed Jesus as Arsenal's 'saviour' claiming the Brazilian has taken the Gunners to a new level since his £45million signing in the summer. Evra continued: "Arsenal have lots of threats, I've always been a fan of Martinelli but what Gabriel Jesus is doing is amazing.
"When he was playing for City he was a good player but not an important player, now you can see he understands his role and responsibilities. I think for the first time he's playing at a club where they call him the main man. What a player.
"He comes to receive the ball, controlling the game and scoring goals. Jesus has an aura and a way of playing football with a smile on his face and now with more responsibility he has brought the level up for all the team.
"Saka is another great player, he is a nightmare for full-backs, Martinelli is the same. They just attack you and they don't let you breathe.
"It's weird for me to talk about Arsenal this way, because I used to call them my babies, but now they are the real deal and I understand why the Arsenal fans are dreaming about contending for the title."
Despite praising the Gunners for their performances so far this season, Evra has raised concerns regarding the depth of Arteta's squad with Arsenal competing on all fronts this season. The ex-United defender added: "My only worry, and I don't want to be negative, is that they don't have the squad.
"It's a big game, if they win against Liverpool it's another big step. No matter if Liverpool aren't in great shape, they will still send a big statement.
"It's a big game for both sides, I can see Arsenal winning and if they do, they will believe that they can fight for the title."
READ NEXT:
Kieran Tierney starts, Fabio Vieira benched, Zinchenko out - Arsenal predicted XI vs Liverpool
Zinchenko missing, wonderkid called up, what Odegaard did in Arsenal training ahead of Liverpool
Supercomputer predicts shock result in Arsenal vs Liverpool as Gunners eye securing top spot
Thiago absent, Robertson trains as Jurgen Klopp confirms Liverpool pair will miss Arsenal trip
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
