Mikel Arteta revealed Gabriel Jesus continues to play an important behind-the-scenes role at Arsenal after suffering an injury on international duty.
Jesus, a summer signing from Manchester City, earned a call-up to Brazil's World Cup on the strength of his Arsenal displays. He picked up an injury in Qatar, though, and has begun his path to recovery after knee surgery.
Arsenal won their first league game without the South American, coming from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 and add to their cushion at the top of the Premier League table. After the game, manager Arteta revealed the five-goal striker still has a key part to play even when he can't contribute on the pitch.
With Jesus sidelined, Eddie Nketiah came into the starting XI in the for the first time in the league this season. The 23-year-old had scored in his previous start, against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, and was on target again against the Hammers.
Nketiah impressed when called upon at the tail end of last season, scoring five times during the run-in. His effort against West Ham was the pick of Arsenal's goals, and the Arsenal boss outlined how his injured team-mate has helped.
"Gabriel is still around the team still and he's having an impact on the pitch even though he's not playing," Arteta told Match of the Day. "He's helping Eddie and I'm delighted for him [for his goal]. He showed last season as well that when we need him, he's always there."
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Arteta expressed his delight at the result and performance in the London derby. Said Benrahma fired the visitors in front from the penalty spot - a decision which didn't anger the Gunners boss too much - with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on target before Nketiah made the points safe.
"It was a single action, we didn't defend the direct play well enough and then the referee made the decision from there," Arteta said of the spot-kick. "Then we showed composure and never panicked and did what to had to do to earn the right to win the game.
"We scored at the perfect time and the crowd was incredible, also in the moment we conceded the goal. They kept on believing. When we scored it got loud and we generated the momentum we needed."
The victory was enough to lift Arsenal seven points clear at the summit, with Newcastle United having earlier closed the gap with a comfortable win at Leicester. Manchester City can move within five points of the league leaders with three points at Leeds on Wednesday, with Pep Guardiola's side still yet to play Arsenal this term.
