Battling spirit impresses Wenger

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's never-say-die attitude could prove decisive in their battle for the Barclays Premier League title.

Alex Song's late header denied struggling West Ham a share of the spoils at Emirates Stadium and kept the Gunners five points behind leaders Chelsea. It was, though, far from a vintage Arsenal performance as time and again the home side were left frustrated by both some fine goalkeeping from Robert Green.

"It was a battle where we needed to be patient and intelligent, to keep our game structured, which we did well," Wenger said. "We were unlucky on a few occasions and West Ham defended really well - their keeper had a great game against us as usual. Finally we got a goal very late, but it is an important one for us."

Wenger told BBC Sport: "When you drop points it is very frustrating and we were close to doing that, but we have a keep-going spirit and that got us out of it."

Song scored in his third consecutive appearance, having also been on target against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and in the 3-0 win at Manchester City last week.

The 23-year-old Cameroon international has certainly come a long way since joining the Gunners as another youthful prospect from Bastia in August 2005.

"It is a question of confidence," said Wenger. "He got the goal against Man City and that gives you a taste to go in the box

"Against West Ham he had two chances in the first half, which means he has that timing."