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'We showed we can dig out a victory'

Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal showed a different side to their game on Saturday when Aaron Ramsey's second-half brace gave them victory over Sunderland.

"In the first half I felt that we played outstandingly well but we didn't take our chances"

Arsene Wenger

Craig Gardner's equaliser from the spot three minutes into the second half was followed by a 20-minute spell of consistent pressure from Paolo di Canio's team. But Ramsey's superb volley in the 67th minute helped the Gunners regain the initiative and his cool finish with 14 minutes remaining sealed the points.

Wenger was pleased to come away with a win after describing the second half as a "backs to the wall" challenge.

"We have seen another aspect of our game - that is mental resources and [the ability to] dig a victory out," Wenger told Arsenal Player. "It was a very important win for us.

"In the first half I felt that we played outstandingly well but we didn't take our chances. And then five minutes into the second half it was 1-1 and it was backs to the wall a little bit because we dropped physically."

Saturday's win was Arsenal's seventh successive away victory in the Premier League and Wenger heaped praise on his side for the consistency they have shown away from the Emirates.

"We play without fear, with confidence, with desire to dictate the game and that's the main reason. The quality of our collective play is very good, we can keep the ball and that's very important away from home."