For Arsenal, this was all about the result.
It was anything but a convincing performance but they showed real heart and courage to haul themselves to victory. That, of course, is all that matters at this stage of the season in the battle of wills with Tottenham to get the all-important fourth and final Champions League place.
Tottenham kept their side of the bargain, beat Leicester and put all the pressure on Arsenal who just about got the job done. The fact two center-halves scored demonstrated Arsenal’s threat from set-pieces and West Ham ’s weakness at the back. Rob Holding scored his first-ever Premier League goal for Arsenal. Brazilian defender Gabriel got the second-half winner and you could see how much it meant at the final whistle.
