Wenger: My Arsenal team stuck together to beat Stoke

Arsene Wenger is relishing the chance of a last-gasp top four finish after his team showed character to in beating Stoke City 4-1 at the bet365 Stadium this evening.

A brace from Olivier Giroud, as well as a sublime effort from Mesut Ozil, and a typically predatory strike from Alexis Sanchez, saw his team weather a strong Stoke rally after a controversial Peter Crouch effort to make it 2-1.

The result now means the Gunners are on 69 points – a single point behind fourth placed Liverpool who face a tough game against West Ham at the London Stadium tomorrow – before they take on already-relegated Sunderland at the Emirates on Tuesday night.

A visibly delighted Wenger said after the game: “I am pleased with the result. We were a team that was dominant in the game.

“We were patient, intelligent, and we did stick together at the moment when Stoke made it rough for us. We had to stick together.

“They made it a bit more physical in the second half and we had to find some resources to keep our nerve and continue with our desire to play.” With his team in fifth place with two games remaining, including the final match of the season at the Emirates next Sunday against Everton Wenger discussed the chances of ending what has been a turbulent league season on a high.

With a fourth place finish looking more hopeful than a month ago Wenger said: “Our focus is to get to 72 points on Tuesday night – and after that we’ll see.

“The team looks strong and solid at the moment. Let’s just focus on our quality and continue to do what we do.”