Paul Merson admits Gabriel Jesus "is like another signing" following his return from injury for Arsenal.
The Gunners have coped impressively without their summer signing, who hasn't featured since before the World Cup having picked up an issue whilst with Brazil, that required surgery. Arsenal now enjoy a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League as they chase a surprise title success.
Jesus had been crucial to their early season form, but the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have stepped up in his absence. The forward returned during the win over Fulham at the weekend but he now provides Mikel Arteta with some selection dilemmas as he looks to keep the momentum going.
Merson told Sky Sports : "Arsenal’s performance in the first half at Fulham was mind-blowing. It was like watching Man City in their pomp and this was against a good Fulham team. It was scary. It was bordering on ridiculous.
"It felt like they had at least two more players on the pitch but the thing that will win Arsenal the league is starting matches well.
"I watched them at Leicester when they were under pressure for a result and they started well and were great. Then they were at home against Bournemouth and start poorly. Against Fulham they start well and it’s a walk in the park. I don’t see how they’re going to be stopped if they start well in matches.
"Gabriel Jesus coming back is a bit of a problem for Arsenal because the lad will want to play – he didn’t sign to be a bit-part player like he was at Man City. It will cause problems in time but at the moment it’s like another signing."
Jesus trained as part of the warm-down following his side's win over Bournemouth last weekend, but was involved in the success at Craven Cottage. Arteta has attempted to benefit from a settled starting XI throughout the season, which previously included Jesus.
The Spaniard spoke glowingly about having the forward back as the Gunners head into the business end of the season, where Jesus' previous experience in title winning sides could prove crucial.
Arteta said: "[It’s a] big boost! His first steps today and we didn’t know whether it was the right game for him today. A few days ago, he told me he was missing something and then yesterday he looked me in the eyes and told me he was ready. Then today we had the opportunity to throw him in because it’s that first step to give him the boost.
"He looked free and generated two big chances straightaway, and it’s great to have him back."
