Sunday 3 January 2016 13:17, UK
Theo Walcott believes Arsenal's "hard-fought" victory over Newcastle on Saturday is proof they are genuine title contenders this season.
Laurent Koscielny scored a scrappy goal as the Gunners ground out a 1-0 victory to open a two-point gap at the top of the Premier League after Leicester were held by Bournemouth.
An inspired Petr Cech kept the dominant visitors at bay, denying Aleksandar Mitrovic and Georginio Wijnaldum, before Koscielny poked home from close range on 76 minutes.
Walcott feels Arsene Wenger's side have now matured into a side capable of winning ugly when required.
"The three points are crucial at this moment in time, especially when teams slip up as well," said Walcott.
"We've had a blip at times but it's important that we got those hard-fought three points today. In previous seasons we would have lost that or drawn, so that's a very good sign for 2016.
"The title is anyone's to be honest but there's such a belief in this team that we can do it this year. It's been a long time and everyone understands that, but you could just sense with that performance that we know what we need to do.
"It's up for grabs but we have the strength in depth in this squad and I believe that we can push on this season and hopefully be successful.
"A lot of games have been like that this season. The Premier League is starting to open up a little bit and a lot of teams are ready for the battle this year.
"The performance wasn't there to be honest, but the work rate is always there and when you have work rate you always get the success that you need, want and deserve."
Newcastle have now drawn a blank in their last three matches, losing all three by a tight 1-0 scoreline as they remain in the Premier League bottom three.
Steve McClaren's side have taken one point from their last four outings after back-to-back victories over Liverpool and Tottenham gave them renewed hope of survival.
"I thought we were the better side," said Wijnaldum. "We had good precision play and created chances but we didn't take them, so it was going to be difficult. They had one set-piece and scored.
"We had a lot of confidence that we could play football here, but in the end we have nothing and we're sad - it's really frustrating. You know they have the quality to score but if we had taken two chances we would have won.
"You must keep faith that you are going to score goals, but every time you don't you get frustrated and disappointed. But we have to keep our heads up and we must fight to get the points."
