Arsene Wenger got the response he wanted as Arsenal bounced back from turmoil to defeat Manchester United 2-1 thanks to a brace from Samir Nasri.
Gunners manager Wenger admitted dressing room morale was low after their 4-4 draw with rivals Tottenham and the defeat at Stoke - but this win at the at the Emirates Stadium breathes life into their campaign and lifts them above United in the Barclays Premier League.
Wenger had Emmanuel Adebayor injured and Robin van Persie suspended but Nasri provided the attacking threat, taking advantage of slack marking in each half to grab his fourth and fifth goals of the season.
Rafael da Silva, on as a substitute, volleyed home a late strike to give Sir Alex Ferguson's men hope - but there was no repeat of the memorable Spurs comeback.
It was Arsenal's first test this season against their traditional top-four rivals - and Wenger's men passed the examination.
First blood went to Arsenal, with Nasri's opener coming midway through the first half after Patrice Evra fouled Bacary Sagna on the right touchline.
Nasri's second came three minutes after the restart.
Fabregas wriggled around Neville and spotted Nasri unmarked on the penalty area, with the France youngster given enough space to bide his time and lash past Van der Sar.
Ronaldo was presented with a chance to pull a goal back but his finish, after meeting Park's cross with a first-time volley, went just the wrong side of Almunia's post.
Clichy then clattered into Ronaldo and earned a booking, with the action almost non-stop at this stage.
Rooney had a header saved by Almunia and he was inches from getting on the end of a Ronaldo cross, while Carrick picked up a yellow when he caught Almunia with a boot to the head.
Almunia's injury forced him off and Lukasz Fabianski was required off the bench for the last 12 minutes.Rafael, on as a substitute, pulled one back with less than a minute left - but Arsenal held on after six minutes of stoppage-time for the win they needed.
Man of the match : Samir Nasri (Arsenal)
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