Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has praised the "special resilience" of his team following the 1-0 North London derby triumph over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane today.

Having scored after just 77 seconds through Tomas Rosicky, Wenger's troops found themselves under assault for large spells of the encounter as Spurs registered no fewer than 17 attempts at goal.

However, the Gunners held out for the victory to move four points adrift of leaders Chelsea in the standings ahead of the two sides' meeting at Stamford Bridge next week.

"Tottenham played very well. We had an early lead and we were juggling between protecting the lead and finishing the game off," he told reporters.

"We absorbed a lot of pressure from Tottenham. They gave everything and we needed a special resilience and good defensive performance."

As a result of the win, the Gunners consolidated their Champions League qualification place by going nine points clear of fifth-placed Spurs with a game in hand.