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When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
The last few weeks have been a fantastic battle between Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham for the top four places.
In particular, the North London clubs have been going toe-to-toe. Tottenham have been laying down the gauntlet - and it's been up to Arsenal to respond.
In the past, Arsenal's mental strength has been questioned. They've risen to the task this time. And one player in particular has been providing much of their driving force.
Theo Walcott scored the winner at QPR, the opener against Manchester United and led the way against Wigan on Tuesday.
It has helped make it 21 goals for Walcott this season. Walcott is now the highest scoring Englishman across all competitions.
Remember all that fuss over his contract a few months back? The endless debate over whether he was worth it. Surely that's been put to bed.
Walcott had a lean spell after the contract was signed. Many ex-pros will tell you having something to focus on can inspire and be a driving force. Once that focus has gone, you can lose your way a bit.
The point is Arsenal needed their big players to step up to the plate in recent weeks, and Walcott is the best possible example.
The same goes for Wojciech Szczesny, Laurent Koscielny, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla. They have all played impressive and key roles.
But there was one moment over any other that really sticks in the mind from the Wigan game.
That was in the second half. Walcott tracked back deep inside his own penalty box, won a crucial tackle and then drove forward.
Walcott also grabbed the crucial second goal to regain Arsenal the lead - and they went on to win the game.
Over came Cazorla's low cross and Walcott put his body on the line, put himself in there where it hurts and got the crucial finishing touch.
The last few weeks have dispelled a few myths about Walcott and proved he is worth his weight in goals. He has pace, power and a prolific record.
Arsenal face a daunting trip to Newcastle on Sunday. I still think Tottenham have the easier passage into the top four. They face Sunderland at home. Sunday could yet see Arsenal miss out.
Something to celebrate? Arsenal face a last-day scrap for the final Champions League place
Getty
The other tantalising prospect is Arsenal potentially facing a play-off with Chelsea. The two sides have very similar records on points, goal difference and goals scored.
If they end up the same - Chelsea drawing 0-0 with Everton and Arsenal winning 2-1 would do it - then a play-off would be used.
It would be a Premier League first. Unlikely. But those scores aren't unthinkable. They surely wouldn't do it in mid-table. But we're talking automatic Champions League qualification and a potential £25m windfall.
It would be much fairer to separate the clubs by a head to head. But it's hardly a scenario which comes around very often.
However, a few months ago if you'd offered Arsenal these scenarios and, the possibility of a win on the final day securing a top four finish, then Arsene Wenger would have bitten your hand off.
Arsenal's trip to Newcastle will be a nail biter. Alan Pardew's men are safe but there's pride at stake.
Despite bizarrely claiming Newcastle could lose 4-0 to Arsenal, there's no way Pardew will let that happen.
It will call for Arsenal's big guns to step forward again. Walcott is definitely in that category now. Make no mistake about that.
Check out all the latest News, Sport at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...#ixzz2TS79SRtX
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook
The last few weeks have been a fantastic battle between Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham for the top four places.
In particular, the North London clubs have been going toe-to-toe. Tottenham have been laying down the gauntlet - and it's been up to Arsenal to respond.
In the past, Arsenal's mental strength has been questioned. They've risen to the task this time. And one player in particular has been providing much of their driving force.
Theo Walcott scored the winner at QPR, the opener against Manchester United and led the way against Wigan on Tuesday.
It has helped make it 21 goals for Walcott this season. Walcott is now the highest scoring Englishman across all competitions.
Remember all that fuss over his contract a few months back? The endless debate over whether he was worth it. Surely that's been put to bed.
Walcott had a lean spell after the contract was signed. Many ex-pros will tell you having something to focus on can inspire and be a driving force. Once that focus has gone, you can lose your way a bit.
The point is Arsenal needed their big players to step up to the plate in recent weeks, and Walcott is the best possible example.
The same goes for Wojciech Szczesny, Laurent Koscielny, Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla. They have all played impressive and key roles.
But there was one moment over any other that really sticks in the mind from the Wigan game.
That was in the second half. Walcott tracked back deep inside his own penalty box, won a crucial tackle and then drove forward.
Walcott also grabbed the crucial second goal to regain Arsenal the lead - and they went on to win the game.
Over came Cazorla's low cross and Walcott put his body on the line, put himself in there where it hurts and got the crucial finishing touch.
The last few weeks have dispelled a few myths about Walcott and proved he is worth his weight in goals. He has pace, power and a prolific record.
Arsenal face a daunting trip to Newcastle on Sunday. I still think Tottenham have the easier passage into the top four. They face Sunderland at home. Sunday could yet see Arsenal miss out.
Something to celebrate? Arsenal face a last-day scrap for the final Champions League place
Getty
The other tantalising prospect is Arsenal potentially facing a play-off with Chelsea. The two sides have very similar records on points, goal difference and goals scored.
If they end up the same - Chelsea drawing 0-0 with Everton and Arsenal winning 2-1 would do it - then a play-off would be used.
It would be a Premier League first. Unlikely. But those scores aren't unthinkable. They surely wouldn't do it in mid-table. But we're talking automatic Champions League qualification and a potential £25m windfall.
It would be much fairer to separate the clubs by a head to head. But it's hardly a scenario which comes around very often.
However, a few months ago if you'd offered Arsenal these scenarios and, the possibility of a win on the final day securing a top four finish, then Arsene Wenger would have bitten your hand off.
Arsenal's trip to Newcastle will be a nail biter. Alan Pardew's men are safe but there's pride at stake.
Despite bizarrely claiming Newcastle could lose 4-0 to Arsenal, there's no way Pardew will let that happen.
It will call for Arsenal's big guns to step forward again. Walcott is definitely in that category now. Make no mistake about that.
Check out all the latest News, Sport at Mirror.co.uk http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footba...#ixzz2TS79SRtX
Follow us: @DailyMirror on Twitter | DailyMirror on Facebook
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