- Middlesbrough are winless in 15 Premier League games - their longest such run in the division.
However, despite Arsenal's triumph, the struggling Londoners still have their work cut out to reach the top four and preserve their Champions League status.
"We can do that, but also we will have to - had we not won against Middlesbrough I would have conceded that the top four was beyond us".
"I felt that we were recently a bit vulnerable defensively and to give a bit more reassurance to the team".
Wenger responded to Arsenal's 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace by switching formations to a 3-4-3, it's the first time in his 21-year reign as Gunners boss he didn't deploy a back four.
Boro were presented with another opportunity two minutes later from a Stewart Downing free-kick that was cleared out and Leadbitter hit a first-time shot over the bar from outside the area.
"We needed to win", Wenger added. "They played with such intensity I couldn't have asked for any more from them".
Syrians in Pennsylvania to protest U.S. airstrikes
The attack prompted the United States to fire 59 cruise missiles into a Syrian air base from which it said the attack was launched.
The South American's delicious set piece effort - as well as Mesut Ozil's second-half victor - helped the Gunners to only their second league win in their last nine away games, with the team having lost six and drawn one during a testing run that's seen them drop out of the top four.
While neither side impressed in the first half, Sanchez curled in a fine free-kick past a static Brad Guzan.
"There was a bit of nervousness in our dressing room before kick-off because we had not had a good run and that can happen - confidence in life goes away quickly and comes back slowly - but this result helps". With Arsenal's players walking over to applaud the away supporters after the game (who appeared much happier with them than they did at Selhurst Park last week), Sanchez removed his shirt and made a beeline for a young supporter in the front row, gifting him his shirt as a souvenir.
However, with so many question marks over Arsene Wenger's future, whether they can compete in the Premier League and in Europe, it remains to be seen if the former Barcelona and Udinese man is willing to commit his future to the club.
With seven matches to play, they find themselves in sixth on 40 points, seven behind Manchester City having played a game fewer.
"I felt that when we scored we had Arsenal on the back foot and at that point we just needed the ball to fall to us". We all realise the task ahead, but equally we are six points off it, a game in hand and a terrific goal difference.
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