Arsene Wenger surprised by battling Burnley

Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to his Arsenal side for the gritty nature of their 1-0 victory at Burnley this evening.

With Sean Dyche's troops battling relegation, the Gunners were big favourites to emerge from Turf Moor with a comfortable win and move four points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

It proved anything but straightforward for Wenger's side, however, as Aaron Ramsey's 12th-minute strike proved enough in a game that saw the Clarets dominate for large spells.

"I'm pleased with the performance because it was a more fighting performance than a fluent performance," he told the club's official website.

"Many people question us on that side but I would first say that I'm surprised by the quality of Burnley.

"It would be a shame if they go down because they are fantastically well organised, they press very well, they have a great solidarity, they are very fit and I understand now why they took points from the big teams here."

Victory represented the Gunners' eighth successive league win.