Robin van Persie claimed Arsenal "wanted it more" after the Gunners secured a 1-0 home win over league leaders Manchester United.
Aaron Ramsey's second-half goal - his first since January 2010 - saw United's lead remain at just three points from Chelsea, whom they face next week at Old Trafford.
Both sides claimed a penalty at the Emirates Stadium, but the officials were unmoved when United captain Nemanja Vidic handled the ball in the area and Michael Owen went down following a challenge from Gael Clichy.
