Wenger: 'We showed our fighting spirit'

The most important qualities we showed at Everton were discipline, commitment, togetherness, desire and a 100 per cent focus for 90 minutes. That is what got us the points.

When you go to Goodison Park without those qualities you don't get the points. We have had two very difficult away games with Wolves and Everton and we have got six points that have put us in a good situation. We were a bit disappointed after last Sunday's defeat to Newcastle but I feel that was under special circumstances. Overall the team has shown great spirit.

The performance at Everton showed we have quality and fighting spirit. That is an ingredient you will need if you want to fight for the championship like we want to do. I have said for a long time that we are equipped to challenge for the title and the players get a lot of encouragement from the way they are playing at the moment, from our discipline and our focus. Now let's get more points into our account and see where we stand in the end.

Once again Lukasz Fabianski made some important saves late in the game. He was important for us because when we were 2-0 up I felt we tried too much to keep that scoreline and kept the ball in a negative way instead of wanting to go forward. We were nearly punished because we became a bit too conservative.

I took Jack Wilshere off at half time but he is not injured. I wanted a second holding player to win the second balls from headers and I felt Jack looked a bit tired because he has played many games. I wanted to take him off because of that but he will be alright to join up with the England squad.

Nicklas Bendtner was not in the squad on Sunday because he had a little groin problem so I left him at home. The Danish national squad can call him up and check his condition but I would prefer him not to go. He would prefer to stay as well.

There has been speculation about Nicklas but I want him to stay. I have known him since he was 16 years old and I have a good rapport with him. I like him as a player and as a person. I want him to stay and be part of the group.