Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted his side's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park was vital in The Gunners challenge for a top four spot, following their disappointing defeat against Tottenham Hotspur a fortnight ago.
First-half goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud helped to secure a crucial away win; but it was not an easy three points gained as Alan Pardew's men continued to pressurise throughout the second-half. A bombardment of set-pieces and intense counter attacks ensured that Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker had to be alert at all times from the back, whilst Calum Chambers and Nacho Monreal both had personal battles on the flanks against Wilfried Zaha and Yannick Bolasie.
Wenger told Sky Sports the following: "It will be down to consistency. Everybody will fight for it - you have six or seven teams who will fight for these positions and that's why the three pions were important for us today. Palace gave absolutely everything, we had a real cup game today and they closed us down, stopped us from playing and we had to fight and to play.
We managed to do it in patches but not through all the 90 minutes; it was a tough game. When we came out of pressure we looked dangerous. Maybe we were fortunate to be 2-0 up but it is the kind of game you have to take your chances[in]. We had a good chance with Sanchez and a few other opportunities where we missed a cross by Crystal Palace played well."