Arsenal show their steely side

Arsenal 3 Stoke City 1: Arsene Wenger knows as well as anyone how easy it is for a team to fall out of contention after showing signs of being champions.

Too often Wenger has been forced to accept his team didn’t have what it takes, fending off repeated criticism his players lack the necessary strength and resilience to see off the challenge of rivals and end the season top of the pile.

This time, though, the manager is convinced he has the evidence to prove his side has developed more backbone.