Arsene Wenger hails Arsenal’s team spirit as Gunners continue to impress

Arsene Wenger has singled out Arsenal’s “fighting spirit” as one of the key ingredients behind the Gunners’ successful season so far.

The table-topping north Londoners booked their place in the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to Saturday’s 2-0 win over local rivals Tottenham.

You can put any player anywhere, they just fight for each other

Arsene Wenger

Wenger’s men are a point clear of second-placed Manchester City at the summit of the English top flight heading into next Monday’s trip to Aston Villa.

And the Frenchman has praised his side after watching them secure their fourth straight win in all competitions at the weekend.

“We had a very difficult schedule,” Wenger told Arsenal Player. “We handled it very well, I would like to pay tribute to the players, they kept their focus during this period.

“You never felt that they wanted a breather, they will get one now but they deserve it.

“We’ve played eight games at home and conceded one goal. That shows that defensively we are sound.

“But overall above even our defensive tactical discipline, you feel the spirit is there to fight together.

“You can put any player anywhere, they just fight for each other and that is just the greatest ingredient of positiveness we have in the squad.”

Wenger also reserved special praise for teenager Serge Gnabry, who impressed in the win over Spurs and set up Santi Cazorla’s opener.

“I loved Serge’s game because he is not only an individual talent but his position on the pitch was right and his contribution to the team work was right,” added Wenger.

“He gave two or three balls to score and I like that, it’s a sign of quality.

“I will give him more games but he plays on the right in the position where Theo Walcott plays, but he can play on the left as well.

“It’s about balance in the team as well, and about the balance between attacking and defending. He’s a very intelligent player.”