Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was happy with the defensive performance of his team after the 4-1 win against Newcastle United.
The Frenchman was not happy with the defence after last week's away defeat at Stoke but the Gunners produced a brilliant display of football against the Magpies to inch closer to the top four.
"We can score goals and we showed that again tonight," Wenger said.
"Overall it was a dynamic game where defensively - despite the fact that we were depleted at the back - we were quite solid.
"Going forward we always looked dangerous. In the end we won in a convincing way. We scored four goals and that was needed. The response was strong after the Stoke City game and let's go well over Christmas.
"He's [Olivier Giroud is] still not 100 per cent there but he gives a presence. He links up well, plays good one-twos and protects the ball well.
"When we have to kick the ball long because Newcastle closed down our centre backs well, you always have a good chance to win the ball."
Meanwhile, the Frenchman confirmed that midfielder Aaron Ramsey and defender Laurent Koscielny might miss the remaining games of the year.
"I [now] have a better idea," Wenger said.
"[Aaron] Ramsey will be out for a few weeks and [Laurent] Koscielny as well. They will not be back next week."
