The Gunners striker lit the blue touchpaper ahead of Sunday's grudge match by claiming Arsene Wenger's expertise is more important than Roman Abramovich's cash.
After totting up as many assists as he has goals in recent seasons, the versatile striker has come in for criticism from the media for not being selfish enough.
In this case, it's examine the five best small forwards in the league today – complete with a combination of fact and opinion - while using the upcoming season to engrain them into stardom.