Michael Carrick has hailed Arsenal's "terrific run" after they climbed back into the top four of the Premier League following a hard-fought 2-1 win over West Ham at the London Stadium.
It was by no means a straightforward win for Mikel Arteta's men, who took the lead through Rob Holding's header before being pegged back by Jarrod Bowen on the brink of half-time. But the Gunners were well aware of what was at stake, keeping the damage to a minimum, before getting back in front, doubling their lead through Gabriel's diving header at the back post.
Arsenal have now produced three successive wins at the perfect time to ensure they hold a two-point lead over Tottenham with four games to go. "They've had a terrific run," Carrick told the Premier League. "People ask questions, would you rather have the points in the bag, or would you rather be chasing the bottom pressure, I would much rather be in a position where it's in your own hands, 100 per cent.
"And that's where they've found themselves so credit to them that have put themselves in this position because today was not an easy game for them. It gives them a great chance."
Arsenal's return to form has put them in the front seat, but Carrick believes it is still all to play for, considering the Gunners still have to play Spurs away on May 12. He added: "The Tottenham game is the one we've spoken about, it's the obvious one but then the other games it's not to say the other teams will win the rest of their games so it's certainly all to play for."
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Speaking post-match on climbing back into the top four, Arteta said: "You have to find a way to win and today we won ugly. We have to recognise that is the way we had done it," before adding: "Let’s see [if the battle for top-four will go all the way]. Another seven days to prepare for the match. The pressure is there and we both won so let’s go."
Arteta have their fate in their own hands, however, with four games remaining to the end of the regular campaign. Up next is Leeds who will be desperate to get something out of the game if they are to avoid a potential drop following Everton's impressive 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.
Arsenal suffered the heartbreak of missing out on European football for the first time in 25 years last season, but it seems they are intent on learning from their mistakes.
