Wenger proud of his gritty Gunners

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal's gritty 2-1 win against Crystal Palace will prove a significant moment in the Premier League title race.

Wenger's side could ill-afford another setback after its embarrassing opening day meltdown against West Ham and it rose to the challenge at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

Still haunted by last season's spluttering start, which he regards as the root cause of its failed title bid, Wenger was desperate to avoid being cast adrift of early pacesetter Manchester City because he feared the damage to his players' morale would be fatal.