Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny claims Arsenal have what it takes to win "ugly" and fight their way back up into the top four of the Barclays Premier League.

The Gunners produced a battling rearguard display in the 2-1 victory at West Ham on Sunday which moved them level with Southampton, their next opponents on New Year's Day at St Mary's Stadium.

Despite all of their perceived defensive shortcomings, it was a fifth win from the last six matches in all competitions for Arsene Wenger's side, who have lost only once since the end of November.

Szczesny believes the Arsenal backline -- which was bolstered by the return of Laurent Koscielny to resume his partnership with Per Mertersacker -- deserve full credit, having been easy targets for the critics this season.

"We had to dig very deep against by far the strongest West Ham side I have ever played against. It was quite ugly at the end, but we got through," the Poland goalkeeper said.



"When it was 2-1 they put a lots of balls into the box, so it has to be ugly.

"We could have made it easier for ourselves and scored one of the counter attacks, but it did not happen for us so we just had to defend and put bodies on the line, thankfully we did that."

Szczesny believes France international Koscielny, who has been troubled by Achilles and calf problems this season, is "as good as you are going to get in England."

The goalkeeper continued: "Our centre-backs headed so many balls and made so many blocks, they deserve a lot credit.

"No-one is going to be giving them any stick (after this performance), so I am very happy for them because they do get some criticism sometimes."

Szczesny's Arsenal have now won five of their last six games. shaun Botterill Getty Images Sport

Arsenal are now only three points behind third-placed Manchester United.

Szczesny, though, insists focus must be first on delivering another quality performance on New Year's Day.

"We said before the Christmas run of games when we had QPR, West Ham then Southampton that we wanted nine points, we have six so far so we will go there with confidence," he said.



"We just want to win every single game.

"With the position we are in, we have to look short term goals and that is the three points at Southampton.

"Whether we can catch the other teams in front of us we will find out, but we just want to focus on every single game now."

"Szczesny added: "When you start the season you always want to win the championship, that is the only thought in our heads.

"But if we find ourselves in a situation like we are now, we just have to focus on every single game and getting the three points.

"Of course we want to catch up on Chelsea and Manchester City, for now we have to climb up the table first and see if we can put pressure on them."