Wenger full of praise for ‘hungry’ Pires as title race hots up

IN every great race there is a defining moment and, in this season’s Premiership title chase, it just might turn out to be the sidefoot goal from Robert Pires deep in injury time.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger applauded Pires for his “hunger” after missing six months with the cruciate ligament damage suffered last March He also added a tribute to Arsenal’s “mental strength” and “will to win”.

And, for all the talk of Henry’s brilliance, Dennis Bergkamp’s guile and Patrick Vieira’s inspiration, it was that flashback to Arsenal’s more pragmatic past which was the architect of what could turn out to be their most important victory of the season.

Vitally, they found a way to win, and that has always been the hallmark of champions, though whether they can hold off the threat of Manchester United is English football’s most intriguing conundrum.

In the next fortnight, the demands of the Champions League will kick in once more, and there is the titanic FA Cup encounter between United and the Gunners , but Wenger believes he has the “perfect squad” to land his third double When the big two are at their dazzling best it is perhaps Arsenal, with the brilliance of Henry, Bergkamp and Pires who are more pleasing on the eye. But there is a ruthless know-how about Ferguson’s men which will not be quelled. Right now it is too close.

Patrick Vieira said yesterday: “Our self-belief was very good. We fought until the end and we believed that we would score.

“It was a real contrast to Anfield. Our passing was really good there but not so good in this game. It was really important to win when we didn’t play too well.

“The character is really high. Fulham made it really difficult for us but we believed in ourselves.”

Arsenal’s victory ensured they stayed six points ahead of Manchester United, who have a game in hand, and kept their destiny in their own hands.

“We don’t really think about what Manchester United are doing. We just have to keep on winning our own games ,” added Vieira.

Wenger believes Pires is “almost back to his best”, but pointed to the contribution of Francis Jeffers, who he called “an unselfish fox in the box”.

Indeed, he revealed how he had deflected two inquiries about the striker during the transfer window.

Wenger added: “He is an intelligent player and combines well with the players around him. That’s the most important quality at the top level.

“Because he feels sharper, fitter and gets confidence from the players around you and the manager. One or two clubs asked about him but we didn’t respond. I want to keep