Danny Rose opened the scoring with a stunning volley on his full league debut before Gareth Bale doubled the lead just after half-time.

Nicklas Bendtner pulled one back late on but Spurs held on thanks to an inspired performance by goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes.

King told Sky Sports 1: "It's massive. Coming off a disappointing result in the (FA) Cup, it was a good time to play Arsenal.

"We had no time to dwell on that. We knew we had this coming up.

"I've seen the table and it's a big, big result for us.

"It was important we bounced back: we feel we can beat anyone at home."

Gomes said: "It's a good performance for me but it is not the most important.

"When I can make saves like I did today (in every match) then it is most important.

"We played very well. We have a chance (for fourth)."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted the Gunners faced a very tough task to catch Chelsea at the top of the table with the Blues six points ahead.

He said: "It will be difficult, yes, now of course.

"We'll continue to fight but it makes it very difficult.

"As long as it's not mathematically impossible it is not impossible.

"Our job is to fight and we will do that.

"But even if they drop points we are far (behind)."

The Gunners lost Thomas Vermaelen to injury with Wenger revealing the defender had suffered a calf strain, estimating he would be out for three weeks.