Arsenal's growing capacity to win without being at their best, as they did in a hard-fought derby at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, could prove the difference as they attempt to finally overhaul Premier League champions Manchester City.
Manager Mikel Arteta said his side were rewarded for doing "ugly things" to triumph thanks to yet another goal conceded from a corner by their bitter local rivals.
Gabriel Magalhaes' second-half header was enough to secure a crucial 1-0 win over Spurs, marking their third straight north London derby victory away from home.
And, having nearly blown a 3-0 lead before clinging on for a 3-2 win in their last meeting in April, Arteta said he saw signs of progress in how the Gunners managed the closing stages.
The Arsenal manager said he was far calmer on Sunday "because after 0-3 to 2-3 (in the last game) you say, this cannot happen".
He told reporters: "They threw everything at it, they tried today but I think we looked more composed, better organised and gave very, very little away."
Having lost captain Martin Odegaard to injury and Declan Rice through suspension, with new signing Mikel Merino yet to make his debut due to a fractured shoulder, Arsenal's makeshift midfield was largely assured against a wasteful Spurs side.
Arteta hailed the depth of the team and their ability to grind out results, a quality that was arguably lacking at times in their recent title challenges.
"In order to love the game and win, you have to do a lot of things that sometimes people call them ugly and enjoying doing those ugly things is a big compliment for this team," he said.
A north London derby will always feel like a must-win game, but victory felt almost essential for Arsenal who before kickoff trailed Manchester City by five points.
With City having earned 91 points on average in the last three seasons, Arsenal's trip to the Etihad next Sunday could have been make or break for their title credentials.
Instead, with a gritty three points in the bag, Arsenal will travel north with a chance to go top of the league.
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