Arsenal match winner Theo Walcott admitted his side's performance lacked some quality as they beat the Premier League's bottom side Leicester, but he suggested the victory was all that mattered as his goal secured a 2-1 win at Emirates Stadium.
Following the setback of losing last Saturday's north London derby against Tottenham, the Gunners needed to respond with a victory against Leicester and Walcott suggested they showed their character to grind their way to a valuable three points.
"After the disappointment of the local derby it's always nice to get a result," Walcott told the Arsenal website. "The performance wasn't the best at times but we got the three points and we ground it out in the end. It was a very scrappy game, but three points is crucial now.
"I can't believe they [Leicester] are bottom of the league. They play some very good football, they are one of the best teams to have come to the Emirates this year -- without a doubt.
"I've seen for a long time that they counter very well and I think if they continue to play like that they won't be there any longer. We found it difficult at times but like I said before it's important to get that win."
Walcott suggested the race for fourth place was likely to be filled with tension over the final 13 games of the campaign, with a host of clubs now in the mix to claim a place in next season's Champions League.
"I think it will be [tight]," he added. "I think you can see every year the teams are getting better, who would have thought Southampton would be right up there, considering the players that left this season.
"I think it's going to go all the way, that's why it was so crucial to bounce back. The performance wasn't there, but the three points was all we were determined to achieve.
"We'll focus on the FA Cup now. There will be a lot of disappointed guys in the changing room even though we've won, but that's why the games come thick and fast."