Arsenal are renowned for their football but it is fighting spirit that could prove decisive, according to Arsene Wenger.
Wenger lauds his team's fighting spirit after late winner
Arsenal are renowned for their fluent football but it is their new fighting spirit that could prove decisive in the title race, according to Arsene Wenger.
Alex Song scored a late winner against West Ham that kept the Gunners five points off the leaders Chelsea.
It was not the usual champagne football from Arsenal, but they remained focused, composed and competitive until the end of the game.
Patient
"It was a battle where we needed to be patient and intelligent, to keep our game structured, which we did well," said Wenger.
"We were unlucky on a few occasions and West Ham defended very well - their keeper had a great game against us as usual.
"Finally we got a goal very late, but it is an important one for us."
The Arsenal manager continued: "When you drop points it is very frustrating and we were close to doing that, but we have a keep-going spirit and that got us out of it."
Song has now scored in each of his last three outing after notching goals against Shakhtar Donetsk and Manchester City.
And after five years at the club, Wenger believes they are now seeing the best of the 23-year-old Cameroon international.
"It is a question of confidence," added Wenger. "He got the goal against Manchester City and that gives you a taste to go in the box.
"Against West Ham he had two chances in the first half, which means he has that timing."
Meanwhile, Avram Grant believes it is only a matter of time before his side start to turn things around.
West Ham have upcoming games against Birmingham, West Brom and Blackpool, which Grant feels can help them climb away from the foot of the table.
Pride
"Normally when we lose I don't like to say it was good, but the players were great against Arsenal and showed a lot of pride," Grant said.
"They came up against a team who are in a very good shape - the best I have seen them in during the past years - and we did well.
"If we continue to show the spirits we have shown against Arsenal and also in the last few games and continue to play like this, then we will take the points."
He added: "We are working on the small things and I think we can do it. Slowly, slowly it is coming.
"We have been a bit unlucky, but you can see the team developing, but there is still a long way to go."
