Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: 'It was a victory for our patience and our intelligence. We were physically jaded and had to really dig deep to win the game'

Published: 4 December, 2014
by PAUL COWLING and DAN CARRIER

THERE were mixed emotions across north London last night (Wednesday) as Arsenal scored a late winner against Southampton, while Tottenham were turned over away at Chelsea.

Alexis Sanchez struck from close range in the 89th minute to earn the Gunners a much-needed 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium. 

But a resilient Saints side can feel hard done by as they only conceded after being reduced to 10 men when they lost defender Toby Alderweireld to injury having already used all three substitutes.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was quick to praise his team after what he described as “a difficult game”. 

“It was a victory for our patience and our intelligence,” said the Frenchman. “We were physically jaded and had to really dig deep to win the game.”

“I have a big respect for the attitude of this team," Wenger added. “The players just keep going, and will already be focusing on the next game.”

Meanwhile, across the capital in west London, Didier Drogba inspired Chelsea to a 3-0 win over Spurs as the Blues maintained their six-point lead at the top of the table.

It could so easily have been different, however, with Harry Kane heading against the crossbar and dragging a shot just wide while the game at Stamford Bridge was still goalless.

They proved costly misses as Chelsea struck twice in three minutes through Eden Hazard and Drogba, before substitute Loic Remy wrapped up the win midway through the second half.

After the game Spurs’ head coach Mauricio Pochettino said his players could take heart from a performance that was full of spirit. 

“I am disappointed with the result, but we can take a lot of positives from this,” said the Argentine.

“We started well and we showed a good attitude. We can be positive about our performance. We showed belief and worked hard to try and get back in the game.”