Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger hailed his side's mental strength following their 1-0 win at Aston Villa.
The Gunners were on top in the first half and had a deserved half-time lead thanks to Abou Diaby's fortunate goal.
Villa were the stronger side after the interval and Wenger was delighted with how his troops ground out the result.
"It was a very difficult game," stated the experienced French tactician.
"We needed a strong mental reaction with many players out, but the resilience was fantastic.
"I felt in the first half we could have scored three of four.
"I felt tonight was a great test and not many teams would have won here."
Julio Baptista was forced out of the second half and Wenger feels the Brazilian may be facing a spell on the sidelines.
"I felt he had a bad back," he said on taking him off. "We have checked that and he's really badly injured."