Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are leading the 2025/26 Premier League title race with 12 matches to go and defender-turned-pundit Rio Ferdinand has singled out one star who could be ‘critical’ between now and the end of the season.
It’s the Gunners title to lose now: they have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points with a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday evening.
Manchester City, as always, are hot on their heels and will be looking to use their title-winning expertise to close the gap between now and the end of the season.
Arsenal faced a reality check in the form of a 1-1 draw with Brentford, thus proving that no match in the Premier League is simple, and Ferdinand has highlighted one player on the Gunners’ books that could play an imperative role.
Ferdinand on Arsenal bouncing back from draw with Brentford
Looking to put their recent share of the spoils behind them, Arsenal face Rob Edwards’ Wolves at Molineux on Wednesday – and a victory on away soil would keep spirits high ahead of a difficult run-in.
The Emirates Stadium faithful have been calling on leaders to push them over the edge after finishing second three seasons on the bounce – but Ferdinand claimed the players cannot afford to get ’emotional’.
Speaking on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents (February 18, 2026), responded to their draw with Brentford, he said: “If I take myself back to the moment of being in the changing room during a title challenge, it’s a decent result against a hard team to play against.
“Forget the name or the status of the club, each season teams become a different version of what we knew them as. Brentford is a hard place to go this season.
“I would have been in the Arsenal changing room and saying, ‘Boys, it’s a point away from home, we move on’. As much as fans might get emotional, the players can’t do that,” he continued from personal experience.
“The biggest point will be, what was the conversation and the reaction like after that result? Was it a feeling of, ‘Guys, we’re letting it slip, we’ve been here before’ and a bit of fear creeping in or did a few of the players rally around the troops and remind the group that they are going to drop points, and it’s about how you react.”
Gabriel Jesus singled out by Ferdinand as ‘critical’ to Arsenal
Continuing his point about having a leader inside the dressing room, the former Manchester United defender then singled out Gabriel Jesus as the ‘critical’ component in Arsenal’s quest to end their 22-year title drought.
“Who is having those conversations? That’s where experience comes in and that’s where Gabriel Jesus might be critical right now because he’s one of the only ones in that dressing room who has won something. The players are going to be looking for answers and guidance.”
Watch Ferdinand’s remarks about Jesus (7:42 onwards) below:
A four-time Premier League winner with former club Manchester City, Jesus knows what it takes to get the title over the line – and Ferdinand believes that his know-how could be the difference-maker.
With Viktor Gyokeres struggling to find his feet since his switch to England, the 28-year-old – who missed the start of 2025/26 through injury – could find his way into Arteta’s starting line-up soon. He’s scored four times in his last six outings.
Can Jesus be the difference-maker in Arsenal’s title pursuit?
Ferdinand’s comments are impeccably-timed following Arsenal dropping points on the road at Brentford. It’s time for Arteta – his staff, players and fans included – to re-group ahead of what is a pivotal period for the club and their aspirations.
Although Gyokeres is expected to lead the line against Wolves on Wednesday, Jesus’ influence behind the scenes can be just as crucial. He’s been there before.
Adding to that, bagging a goal and an assist in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup on the weekend would’ve boosted his confidence. Ready and raring to go, Gabriel Jesus has all the tools to be the club’s secret weapon.
