Beating Burnley was more important than beating Tottenham, says Laurent Koscielny.

Arsenal went into Sunday’s game knowing that many were waiting for them to slip up. The pressure was on after Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all dropped points the day before.

It was a hard-fought game, but Arsenal came out 1-0 winners thanks to a last minute Alexis Sanchez penalty. Laurent Koscielny believes the win was more significant than the North London derby win a week prior.

”I think it was very important, more than the Tottenham game,” Koscielny said, as reported by the Daily Star. “It was crucial to win here.”

Arsenal expected a difficult afternoon at Burnley and got one. Sean Dyche’s side put Arsenal under pressure and had a real go in the first half.

Koscielny praised Burnley’s performance and believes his side had to play well to get the win. “You are always happy because you score a late goal and have three points,” he added.

“It was a difficult game you know, they play very direct, cross very well and upfront they have players who can score headers. We knew it was a difficult game so that is why we are very happy. Burnley played well in the first half and put pressure on us.”

The win puts Arsenal above Liverpool and Tottenham into fourth. It was also their second consecutive league win in the cursed month of November. With two big wins behind them, Arsenal go into a big week with some momentum.

They’ll play what will undoubtedly be a plucky Huddersfield side on Wednesday night before welcoming Manchester United at the Emirates on Saturday.

A couple wins here would see Arsenal go into the busy winter period in good shape.