We're heading into the first international break of the season, and after a superb start, Arsenal sit top of the Premier League. The Gunners have lost just once all season and were arguably unfortunate even in that game which ended as a 3-1 win for Manchester United at Old Trafford.
While much of the young core from last season kicking on has played a part in their early success, it's undeniable that a summer investment of over £100 million for the second consecutive year has also been integral. Marquinhos, Matt Turner, Fabio Vieira, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus have all come into varying degrees of performance so far.
Here football.london takes a look at how they have got on this season.
READ MORE: READ MORE: Tierney passes test, Partey and Odegaard injured - Arsenal's best and worst international break
Matt Turner
If we're being honest, it's probably crazy to judge Matt Turner off the back of one competitive performance in an Arsenal shirt so far, but there are definitely question marks hanging over the American. By his own admission, he is still adapting to the style of play that Mikel Arteta demands from his goalkeepers, but a shakey moment on his debut against FC Zurich after receiving an admittedly poor pass from Gabriel has done little to silence doubters.
In fairness to the 28-year-old, he has instantly become a popular member of the dressing room and is playing that part of his role a backup goalkeeper well. With each passing training session he is thought to be improving, but he still hasn't done enough to put the mind at ease if something were to happen to Aaron Ramsdale.
Marquinhos
Perhaps the biggest surprise package of the summer so far has been Marquinhos. The 19-year-old arrived to minimal fanfare from Sao Paolo in the summer as what many assumed to be part of an attempt by Edu to build relations with the Brazilian giants.
However, the winger has defied expectations, first with the under-21s and now with the first team where he managed a goal and an assist on his full debut in the Europa League. Marquinhos is a popular member of the dressing room despite his lack of English and has fitted in well to Arsenal's Brazilian clique. He is set to get more chances in the Europa League and Carabao Cup going forward, and it will be fascinating to see how he gets on.
Fabio Vieira
Like with Turner and Marquinhos, the sample size for Fabio Vieira is small. The Portuguese midfielder arrived at Arsenal in the summer with a fracture in his foot that saw him miss preseason, but since the turn of the month, he has begun to get more consistent game time.
His first Premier League start against Brentford was capped with a goal on Sunday and it's a massive compliment to him that Martin Odegaard was hardly missed on the day. Vieira's versatility means that we can expect to see an awful lot of him in both the league and cup competitions, and he feels like the kind of signing who has really added some much-needed depth to this Arsenal squad.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
It's easy to forget that the left-back position was a bit of an issue last season for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta appeared to lose trust in Nuno Tavares while Kieran Tierney was out with injury. In one signing though the Gunners have totally turned that narrative on its head.
Not only does Oleksandr Zinchenko provide more depth in that area of the pitch, but he has also revolutionised the way the Gunners play out from the back and dominate possession. The Ukrainian is arguably the first choice left back in many people's eyes and has taken Arsenal's ability to control games up a level.
Gabriel Jesus
From the minute he walked in the door Gabriel Jesus has totally transformed the way we have felt about the centre-forward position. Last year Arsenal were impotent, immobile and predictable at the head of their attack but this year they are almost totally the opposite.
Jesus has brought industry, intelligence, work rate and, above all, goal threat to the Gunners' front line to the extent that they are now the third highest scorers in the Premier League. His winning mentality is also trickling down to the rest of the squad who now appear far more ready to face adverse situations with a positive mindset, and it's no surprise that he is already one of Mikel Arteta's captains.
READ NEXT:
When Arsenal's deal with Emirates ends as Real Madrid 'agree' lucrative £183m contract renewal
What Mikel Arteta did to Matt Turner after mistake in Arsenal training amid 'risky' £5m transfer
Mikel Arteta uses Pep Guardiola trick to get Arsenal involved in Manchester City title fight
Arsenal already have Mikel Arteta replacement as Granit Xhaka reveals role in Nwaneri debut
Edu's genius £45m Arsenal transfer call proves to be secret weapon in Mikel Arteta's upturn
