Robert Pires believes Gabriel Jesus can be the ‘decisive player’ for against title rivals .
The Gunners have , allowing Man City to cut the lead at the top of the table to just four points.
Mikel Arteta’s side host bottom-placed Southampton on Friday night before travelling to the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday for a potential title decider.
Manchester City have already beaten Arsenal twice this season but the pressure will be on ’s side, who are bidding to win their fifth title in six years.
Pires says it would be an ‘incredible story’ if Jesus dents his former club’s title challenge and boosts Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
Asked if Jesus can be the ‘decisive’ player for Arsenal at the Etihad, Pires said: ‘For sure. It would be an incredible story if he was the main highlight against his former club in the decisive game.
‘Jesus is back in good form after his injury. He stands out for his constant threat of goals and his speed, in addition to improving his accuracy.’
Despite a recent wobble, Arsenal have still enjoyed a sensational season under Arteta, winning 23 of their 31 league games and losing just three.
Pires – who won two league titles with Arsenal – has also hailed Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard for their contributions this season.
Asked if he was surprised by Martinelli’s form, Pires told : ‘I wouldn’t necessarily call it a surprise, simply because he’s incredibly talented and we’ve known that for a while.
‘Now, like many of his team-mates, he has made significant leaps forward this season. He has also become more consistent, although he can certainly continue to develop.’
On Odegaard, Pires added: ‘This season he has developed excellently. He also gained in consistency, his body rarely lets him down, he seems to be in great shape and hungry for wins.
‘It’s great to see such a talented footballer reach his full potential. Martin is taking on more and more responsibility on the team. He’s on a great path and Arsenal is the perfect place for him.’
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