Benayoun:We had to maintain the gap

Yossi Benayoun says Sunday’s victory over Manchester City was essential to keep Arsenal in the driving seat for Champions League football next season. Mikel Arteta's late strike sank Roberto Mancini's side at Emirates Stadium to leave the Gunners two points ahead of Tottenham and five clear of Chelsea in the Premier League table. But Benayoun says the recent form of Newcastle - who are level on points with Chelsea - will give the three London clubs further food for thought. "It was a big win and a very important three points in the race for the Champions League spots," the midfielder told Arsenal Player. "Especially against a big side like Manchester City so we are delighted with the win. "We had a good run before QPR, seven games, and then we had a bad game, so we had to react against a strong team and we deserved the three points because from the first minute you only saw one team on the pitch. "Not only before the game did Tottenham get a point but Chelsea got three and Newcastle too. Everybody is talking about Chelsea and us but Newcastle are doing so well. "We had to take three points to open the gap back to five points. It will be very close until the end of the season, we have to continue to play like this." Arsenal travel to bottom side Wolves on Wednesday as they look to continue their excellent run of form but Benayoun says they must not take Terry Connor's relegation-threatened side lightly. "We have a hard game against Wolves, who are in a relegation battle, we have to go there and take the three points,” he said. "At this time of the season I think every game is a difficult one. Teams will fight for their lives in this league and it is harder to play against them, especially when you play at their ground. It will be like this against Wolves. But if we are 100 per cent committed then we will win the game."