Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was clearly satisfied after producing an outstanding display of football which saw his side ease past Chelsea on Monday night.

Speaking in his post-match press-conference, the Frenchman started by saying how the Gunners made sure to keep in touch with leaders Manchester United and how the win is a huge psychological boost for the players. Wenger added how his players kept good discipline for the full ninety minutes, producing a “real team” performance.

Asked about finally beating a big team in the English Premier League, the Arsenal boss said how two seasons ago the gap between the two teams was quite large, reduced last season and completely closed this year as the Emirates game clearly demonstrated.

Asked about the possibility of signing new players, the Frenchman concluded by saying how it is unlikely especially now that defenders Thomas Vermaelen and Kieran Gibbs are set to return from injury, hence again confirming how no new signings will be made in the January transfer window.

After the 3-1 win, he said:

Mathematically, it keeps us in touch with the leaders of the league. And psychologically, it was important. We were questioned about our capability of winning big games. I’m happy with the desire in the team. We kept good discipline in the team for 90 minutes and put in a real team performance.

It can be a very pivotal moment, but we have to respond away at Wigan on Wednesday night in a game where we want to turn up and take points. We know to beat the big teams at home will have an important impact on this league.

For example, two years ago with the same players we were maybe battered by Chelsea. Last year we felt we were getting closer. This year, at United and Chelsea, we were more frustrated because we were more in the game and there was no real difference. Maybe we played a bit with the handbrake.

It was a slow learning process that we got out of our system tonight. Overall, some players – Fabregas said we were maybe scared to win. There were strong words, but maybe there was something in it. We didn’t see that tonight. It was a locked game at the start, but the first goal gave a huge advantage.

To be honest you always have to look outside, but we have everybody back now and I have a big squad. We have Vermaelen and Gibbs to come back. To find better players on the market than those I have, especially in winter, will be very difficult.