Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says his side controlled the game after the 2-0 away win at Bournemouth.
The Gunners desperately needed all three points to stay in touch with Leicester City as they moved to five points from the leaders.
And the Frenchman says next week's game against the Foxes will be a big one for his players.
"We had a strong start, with good finishing and we controlled the game," Wenger told BBC Sport.
"We beat a good side, it was three difficult points but three very important points for us because we had not won for a while.
"We lost a bit of our urgency in the second half. We lost the killer instinct to get the third goal and on top of that Bournemouth are physically a strong team.
"It was a must-win game for us today.
"Leicester have made a big impression in the last week after their results. They suddenly become the favourite in the Premier League and it makes our game a big game."
