Striker Theo Walcott admits Arsenal's performance against Leicester City was not the best on Tuesday night but believes the three points are crucial ahead of a top four finish.
The Gunners had to work extremely hard to take all three points against a determined Leicester City side at the Emirates after Andrej Kramaric pulled one back for the visitors.
And Walcott, who is finally enjoying a solid run in Arsene Wenger's side, says the win was a very important one after Saturday's defeat in the North London derby.
"Without a doubt [this was an important win]," Walcott said after the win.
"After the disappointment of the local derby it's always nice to get a result.
"The performance wasn't the best at times but we got the three points and we ground it out in the end. It was a very scrappy game but three points is crucial now.
"I can't believe they're [Leicester are] bottom of the league.
"They play some very good football, they are one of the best teams to have come to the Emirates this year - without a doubt.
"I've seen for a long time that they counter very well and I think if they continue to play like that they won't be there any longer. We found it difficult at times but like I said before it's important to get that win."
The race for a top four finish continues to intensify as the Gunners moved back to fifth place after Tottenham Hotspur's defeat away at Liverpool.
And the Englishman believes it will go down to the wire.
"I think it will be [tight]," he said.
"I think you can see every year the teams are getting better, who would have thought Southampton would be right up there, considering the players that left this season.
"I think it's going to go all the way, that's why it was so crucial to bounce back. The performance wasn't there but the three points was all we were determined to achieve.
"We'll focus on the FA Cup now. There will be a lot of disappointed guys in the changing room even though we've won. But that's why the games come thick and fast."
