Arsene Wenger says it was vital for Arsenal to go into the international break at the top of the table.
Jack Wilshere's second-half strike earned the Gunners a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion, allowing them to leapfrog Liverpool and return to the Premier League summit.
Sunday's game was notable for Arsenal conceding the first goal for the first time this season. Wenger was pleased with his team's response.
"It was a big test for us," he told Arsenal Player. "You could see that we had to dig deep to come back. We have given a lot recently and I'm happy that we didn't lose the game, even if of course there are always some regrets when you don't win.
"It was a hard-fought point in a difficult game. I felt that in the first half we had problems to find our pacy game. In the second half we came back to 1-1. Overall we have shown character, spirit and a determined attitude until the end. Both teams wanted to win it, it was an interesting game.
"It's vital that the confidence [from being top] remains there and that you feel that we don't lose. This place [The Hawthorns] can be difficult for anybody so let's have a break, come back and win again."
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