Wenger: It was a hard fought win

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
04 Dec	3:00 PM	P	Fulham (H)	2	1	Win

Manager Arsène Wenger conceded that his team made it hard work for themselves when they beat local rivals Fulham 2-1 today.

We moved to the top of the Premiership as Chelsea drew and Manchester United's match was postponed, two goals from midfielder Samir Nasri helping to secure the vital three points.

But having scored first, Arsenal then squandered a host of excellent opportunities before allowing Fulham to equalise. It was then a tense first half as the game threatened to run away from the Gunners.

The second half was much better and good work from Nasri allowed him to score his second goal of the day, with Arsenal then holding out for all three points.

Wenger said: "It was a good game. Overall I think Fulham played well and we played well.

"They put us under pressure because Gera and Kamara combined well and their midfield was efficient, they played quite a direct game to expose us with balls behind our defenders.

"We needed not only quality but sprit and resilience today and we got it. We scored two exceptional goals from Samir that were a combination of touch, intelligence, special talent and calmness.

"I agree with you that at some stage we looked a bit vulnerable in the air but don't forget we finished the game with five strikers on the pitch, so I expected to suffer from corners.

"Overall I believe in the second half our defenders dealt well with the high ball.

"Every single team struggles to be consistent and at the moment we are [at the top] despite losing three games.

"That means every game is a cup final and if you are not ready for it you will not take three points.

"We have the spirit and the quality but we faced tough opponents and it will be down to consistency.

"We are far from winning the championship yet, the only thing I can say is we have the spirit and the desire to fight for it."

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