Tottenham 0 Arsenal 1: Tomas Rosicky strike goes into his 'great goals collection' for Arsene Wenger

Czech midfielder scored the only goal of the game with second-minute rocket

The managers Arsene Wenger and Tim Sherwood on the touchline

“Three massive points” collected courtesy of a Tomas Rosicky strike that belongs “in my collection of great goals,” was Arsène Wenger’s satisfied reaction to his side’s third victory over Tottenham this season and one that offers a significant boost to their hopes of remaining in the title race.

Wenger praised Tottenham and held up the performance of his defence in keeping Spurs at bay, particularly in a second half dominated by the home side, but it was Rosicky’s split-second thunderbolt that left the abiding impression with the Arsenal manager.

“It will go in my collection of great goals,” said Wenger. “I told Tomas that because first of all he is not a typical goalscorer. He surprised everyone. We had no time to even realise what he was doing and it was in the back of the net. It was an unbelievable goal.

“It is a huge result. We were under pressure to win. The early goal influenced the way we played too much – we wanted to protect the lead and we were under pressure. Tottenham played well. They were absolutely up for it and we needed some special resilience. It’s three massive points.”

Sherwood was encouraged by Tottenham’s performance at the end of a tough week in which he had lambasted his players for their capitulation against Chelsea, a result that was followed by a 3-1 home defeat by Benfica.

Tomas Rosicky put the Gunners ahead in the second minute (GETTY)

“This was always going to be a tough period for us,” he said. “There’s no crisis here. We lost to Chelsea, who are lots of people’s favourites to win the league, and Benfica was obviously going to be a tough game and that went against us, and then we’re playing against Arsenal.

“Going behind so early you fear the worst but they did me proud today.

“They stuck together and took the game to Arsenal. We’re talking about a team who are pushing for the title and we didn’t deserve to lose that game today and I think we deserved to win it.”