Arsenal were delighted to hold on for the 2-1 victory over Manchester United which took them above their heavyweight opponents in the Premier League this lunchtime.
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Arsene Wenger congratulates his goalscorer.
Two goals from Samir Nasri gave the Gunners a 2-0 lead - and even after a late reply from Rafael Da Silva, the hosts stayed in front through six minutes of injury time at the Emirates Stadium.
The importance of the result was never going to be lost on Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, who told Sky Sports: ''It was vital to win.
''I knew today that was a big game for the future of the team. To keep in the race, you need to win big games like that - and it is vital for a young team.''
Wenger has found himself in an unaccustomed position as he has come in for criticism from supporters following a disappointing run of results which culminated in defeat at Stoke last week.
But he said: ''I can take criticism. I am in a job where you have to take that. There is only one answer - with your performance on the pitch.''
Wenger's opposite number Sir Alex Ferguson felt his team perhaps deserved more reward for their part in an outstanding spectacle.
''It was fans' football - playground stuff. They attacked, we attacked - but they got the goal that mattered,'' said the United boss.
''The number of chances we had was incredible. 'I thought we could have had a penalty on half-time, for a clear handball by (Gael) Clichy. But when you need a little break, you don't always get it.''
Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas and captain William Gallas both reflected with satisfaction on the reward for their hard work.
''It has been frustrating, with the results we have had - and to win a game like that is vital, to get back on track,'' said the Spaniard.
''When you see the fans singing and enjoying themselves, this is the best we have had this season.
''But because we have beaten Manchester United, we are not better than we were last week - and last week we were not rubbish, as everybody was saying.''
Gallas unsurprisingly agreed about the significance of today's outcome.
''It was really important for us to win against Manchester United, because we want to stay in the race - to do that we want to win every game,'' he said.
''The last few games we have drawn and lost, so it was important to win at home.''
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