A 78th minute strike from substitute Lukas Podolski was enough to give Arsenal all three points against Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.
The Gunners had a host of chances, but were unable to get past Asmir Begovic, who was in fine form for the visitors.
Arsene Wenger’s men remain just four points off fourth place Tottenham Hotspur, who beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 on Sunday. The North London rivals meet at White Hart Lane in a months’ time.
New left-back Nacho Monreal, who played the full 90 minutes at the weekend, has revealed that compatriot Santi Cazorla persuaded him to sign for the club.
Meanwhile, The Sun have reported that Barcelona striker David Villa could still sign for Arsenal at the end of the season.
The Spaniard has only featured in 15 games this season, though he has still managed to hit the back of the net ten times.
Finally, Theo Walcott has expressed his desire to play as a centre forward for England.
Walcott, who is in the squad to face Brazil in Wednesday’s friendly, told Sky Sports that “it would be a dream”, having proved his worth in a more attacking role for the Gunners in recent weeks.
