Arsene Wenger could not have wished for a better response from his players after back-to-back defeat that almost halt their title race. The Gunners suffered consecutive defeats against Everton and Man City respectively despite taking the lead in those matches, which led to Wenger facing heavy criticism as they dropped from second to fourth in the league.
The French boss, however said before their match against West Brom that he is immune to criticism, where it is coming from notwithstanding. And of course he should be by now. He has come under intense scrutiny after failing to win the Premier League which has run to 12 seasons now.
Though too early to conclude, a top four finish looks more achievable for them than winning the league.
They were heading for a frustrating draw with West Brom on Boxing Day at the Emirates before Olivier Giroud headed in the goal that gave them the much needed win to get them back on the right track.
The France international making his first league start in the Premier League this season headed in in the 86th minutes from Mesut Ozil cross after the Albions keeper Ben Foster has denied them many times.
The Gunners had enjoyed almost 80% possession but struggled to find a way past a resilient Ben Foster who pulled off a series of key saves.
Despite the win, Arsenal remained in the fourth position and nine points behind leaders Chelsea who continued their winning run with a 3-0 victory over Bournemouth.