The north London derby at White Hart Lane was a pulsating affair which ended 3-3.

The Gunners led 3-2 at half-time as Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie netted for them, with Rafael van der Vaart replying for the home side before Tom Huddlestone's 20-yard rocket cut the deficit to one.

A 70th-minute penalty from Van der Vaart ensured Spurs picked up a point, meaning Arsenal drop to third, six points behind leaders Manchester United.

And Dawson said: "After going 3-1 down we've got to be happy with that.

"We had a few chances in the second half and maybe could have won it, but credit to the lads for showing fire and determination.

"Going a goal down so early in a local derby is never good but Tom scored a wonder-goal to get us back in the game and we got the penalty - we're happy enough."

On their prospects of playing Champions League football next season, the defender added on Sky Sports: "There are six more big games to go and we are still in with a great chance, so we'll keep going until the end."

Van Der Vaart added: "It was a great game. We played a great game and Arsenal are one of the best teams in the league so at the end we can be happy with 3-3.

"It was an open game, both teams wanted to win. There was space to play, that's why it was a great game.

"We had a few good chances and we could have maybe won, but at the end it's a fair result."

Arsene Wenger, asked on Sky Sports if he thought the title was heading to Old Trafford, said: "It's not over...we'll fight.

"In the second half we dropped physically because we had a difficult game on Sunday (at home to Liverpool). We've had two games in three games, our recovery was a bit short.

"We suffered physically in the second half and were very unfortunate to concede the penalty.

"Maybe the (Tottenham) second goal was decisive because we wanted to get to half-time with a two-goal lead, but we had an outstanding spirit and we have to keep battling to the last day.

"Tottenham are a good team and we have to accept they can score goals as well. Both sides could have won the game tonight but I didn't see any failure in our attitude.

"We came here to score goals and played a team who are very good going forward. Huddlestone's was an amazing goal.

"It was difficult to assess the penalty, I'll have to see it again.

"Our mental strength is outstanding. We have faced criticism but this team deserves much more."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp was impressed by the quality of the contest.

He said: "It was one of the great games...a real classic. We showed fantastic character to come from 3-1 down.

"Arsenal were top class in the first half , they had us at full stretch and were hard to live with.

"But in the second half the best chances were going our way, we just couldn't get the winner.

"We came back from an almost impossible position and had chances to win it. Anyone who watched that match tonight must have loved it.

"I can't ask any more. Both teams wanted to win and needed a win."

On the race for fourth position in the Premier League, the 64-year-old believes Manchester City - who have a two-point lead - are favourites.

He said: "They were favourites at the start of the year because of their squad.

"We finished a couple of points above them last year and they've spent about £150million to get above us.

"But I can't ask for any more. The season's still going and the spirit we've got is fantastic. We never give up."

Gunners goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was honest about the decision which took two points away from his team's grasp.

He added on Sky Sports: "I was committed but I brought him (Aaron Lennon) down. It was a good decision but from my point of view I'm disappointed to give it away."

On the title race, the Pole added: "I'm confident Manchester United will drop points. We have to win every single game, if we do, it could be very interesting."