Song snatches late winner for Arsenal to draw manager's praise

Alex Song headed in a late winner Saturday to give Arsenal a 1-0 win over West Ham to keep pace with the Premier League leader Chelsea.

The Cameroon midfielder nodded home from close range from Gael Clichy’s 88th-minute cross to deny the Hammers a point at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal had earlier hit the bar twice, through Samir Nasri and substitute Theo Walcott. West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green also produced a number of saves to thwart the hosts.

“It’s a relief when you win with two minutes to go,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

“It was difficult to get in the flow in the first half but we kept the structures of our game right, we kept trying to be intelligent and we got the goal.”

The manager couldn’t hide his delight for the 23 year-old match winner who has now scored tow goals in two consecutive fixtures.

“He has added something to his game,” Wenger said.

“He has good timing to get into the box because in the first half he had two good chances, one on his right foot and one header as well.

“When you get two or three chances in the game as a defensive midfielder that means you have good timing.

“(It was a) fantastic piece of play and Clichy has improved a lot going forward. He is calmer and has a good right foot now as well.”