Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal: Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud put Gunners third.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger admitted victory at Crystal Palace was vital in his side’s challenge for the Premier League’s top four.

The Gunners moved up to third in the table after first-half goals from Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud helped secure a 2-1 victory but Wenger’s men were made to work had for all three points by a spirited Palace side.

And with 12 matches to go until the end of the season, Wenger believes consistency will play a key role in the race for Champions League qualification.


 “It will be down to consistency,” Wenger told Sky Sports.

“Everybody will fight for it. You have six or seven teams who will fight for these positions and that’s why the three points were important for us today.”

In what was a difficult afternoon for Arsenal Wenger had plenty of praise for Crystal Palace as they tested Arsenal’s resolve right until the final whistle.