Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to his defiant Arsenal side after they showed their resilience to earn a crucial win at Newcastle United on Sunday.

The Gunners moved back to the top of the Premier League heading into the New Year with a 1-0 win at St James' Park, thanks in no small part to resolute defending in the final stages of the match having gone ahead through Olivier Giroud's header.

"In the last 15 minutes, we have shown another aspect of our team - resilience, fight. We threw our bodies in the box," the Frenchman was quoted as saying by Arsenal.com.

"You have seen today a technical aspect of our team that was quite good but as well a mental aspect that was needed in a game of that stature. There is something in the team that is special on the mental front where we have many times been questioned.

"But we have shown that at West Ham when we were 1-0 down, we have shown that again today when we were a bit backs to the wall in the last 15 minutes. There's a great solidarity and a great spirit in the side."

Arsenal host Cardiff City in their next match on New Year's Day at the Emirates Stadium.