West Ham 1-2 Arsenal: 4 talking points as top four race heats up

4. Arsenal Win Ugly – Three Points All That Matter

"“Massive win because we put ourselves in lots of problems with our decisions in possession,” Arteta said after the game. “But the team showed huge character not to give up and to do the right things. “The way we defended it was phenomenal. From my point of view today we won ugly, but I’m extremely happy with this team.”"

Exactly that. At this stage of the season, by hook or by crook, the three points are all that matters. Arteta added that results aren’t sustainable with the level of performance seen for large spells against United and against West Ham, but Arsenal fought their way to three gigantic points.

David Moyes surprised near enough everyone with his team selection. He rolled the dice by fielding close to as strong of a team as he could – which he should be slaughtered for if West Ham look fatigued on Thursday – yet the players handled the physical side of the game brilliantly and defended as a unit. When tempers boiled over, they didn’t fold.

This was anything but pretty. On the whole it was a poor performance from the visitors. But that’s fine, as this game was all about digging in with another fixture where key players were missing in order to wrestle back control over Tottenham.

There is absolutely no avoiding that distinct improvements are to be made if top four is to be secured. Yet now comes another round of fixtures where if Arsenal can dispatch relegation threatened Leeds and Liverpool can do the business over Tottenham, top four could be decided in the North London Derby.

What. A. Win.