In previous seasons, Arsenal's lack of quality squad depth has cost them dearly in the battle for the top four. But this time around, Edu has been vindicated with how he has helped Mikel Arteta bolster his squad with competent and strong depth.
This was demonstrated with Fabio Vieira's performance against Brentford in the most recent 3-0 victory prior to the international break at the Brentford Community Stadium. Arsenal's No.21 was a late inclusion into the starting line-up with Marin Odegaard nursing a minor calf problem at the time.
With the Norwegian playing in the recent UEFA Nations League fixtures for his home nation vs Slovenia and Serbia, he is expected to return to the fold, but there are still doubts over the likes of Thomas Partey, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Cedric Soares and others.
READ MORE: Arsenal injury news and expected return dates vs Tottenham: Odegaard, Partey and Zinchenko
However, former Gunners defender Bacary Sagna has highlighted the improvement in the squad depth ahead of the North London Derby to indicate the growth in the Gunners under Mikel Arteta - and says they are now ready to challenge for the title again.
"This is the first season I’ve watched Arsenal where I feel completely confident in the team," Bacary Sagna told Lord Ping. "Touch wood, Gabriel Jesus can stay fit, but I think Martinelli can play up there if needed.
"Nketiah is ready to step up if they need him. Last year, he responded to the challenge well and scored some good goals for Arsenal - he looks like he has improved and he has the confidence of Arteta. He has different qualities to Gabriel, but he is a good striker and he has shown he can do it when he plays.
"He progressed a lot last year. Players want to play week in, week out. He did that last season and he now knows that he can do it at the highest level. He looks more confident and relaxed than we’ve seen him before, so, if there was a scenario where Gabriel was out for a few matches and Eddie came in, I would be confident that he would deliver.
"He has developed an understanding with Arsenal’s other attacking players after the run of games he got last season - he will be ready to go if he is needed. I also like what he is doing this season, coming off the bench and creating problems."
Sagna then concluded by name-checking Arsenal's £32million Portuguese recruit: "I think that this is one of the best squads that we’ve seen in an Arsenal team for a very long time. The team is playing good football, but what encourages me is that there is more depth than before. Fabio Vieira started the last game against Brentford because Odegaard was injured and played brilliantly. You have Tierney and Zinchenko available at left back. Nketiah is a different player now. There are still top players we haven’t seen yet in Smith Rowe and Tomiyasu, so overall, I think that for the first time in a while this is a squad that looks ready to challenge."
Arsenal fans - Is there a way to get both Martin Odegaard and Fabio Vieira in the same line-up or is it the case of one or another? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta already has Arsenal's Thomas Partey replacement and it's not Albert Sambi Lokonga
Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney - Arsenal injury news ahead of Tottenham clash
Mikel Arteta suffers new Arsenal injury setback ahead of North London Derby vs Tottenham
What Gabriel Jesus did to Bukayo Saka ahead of Arsenal's North London Derby vs Tottenham
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
