Mikel Arteta believes the absence of Gabriel Jesus forced other Arsenal players to step up, standing them in good stead for the title race.
Jesus is 'not far' from returning from knee surgery that has kept him out since the World Cup.
There were fears his injury could derail Arsenal's season but ahead of Saturday's visit of Bournemouth, Arteta's side sit five points clear of Manchester City.
The manager said that gives him more confidence that Arsenal can cope with injuries between now and the end of the season.
'We knew the importance of Gabi, what he was bringing to the team and the way he transformed this period and the belief and in the end the level of performance we could reach,' Arteta said.