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Rio Ferdinand names Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba as Arsenal's most IMPORTANT players as he plays down derby victory by insisting Chelsea didn't play their first-team in Stamford Bridge encounter

Rio Ferdinand has praised Arsenal stars Gabriel Jesus and William Saliba for turning Mikel Arteta's side into Premier League title contenders this season.

The former Manchester United defender has been vocal in his glowing assessment of Arsenal's transformation from falling short in their quest for Champions League football last season to current top-flight leaders.

Arsenal re-established their two-point lead over closest challengers Manchester City with a 1-0 victory over cross-city rivals Chelsea in the north west London derby on Sunday. A landmark win for both supporters and players in Arsenal's quest for a first league title since 2003.