Captain marvel Gallas can lead Gunners to the title insists Toure

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Arsene Wenger's under-strength team extended their lead at the Premier League summit to four points following a battling 1-1 draw against a fiercely committed Newcastle last night.

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Super skipper: William Gallas is leading from the front

Arsenal have conceded just 12 goals in their 15-match unbeaten run in the league this season and Toure admits that sometimes it is necessary to forget about entertaining and to concentrate on keeping the back door shut.

"We are defending a lot better together than last season," said the Ivory Coast international.

"That's the key. I think it's a collective thing. In any team you have a maestro and at the moment William is doing that job. He is the captain and is leading us really well.

"With all the experience he has got, we try to listen to him. He is 30, has played a lot of games and has won a lot of trophies as well. But the main thing is that we work together. We all try to help each other.

"In a game when you are a little bit tired or a little bit weak, you have your friend to help you or say to you, 'Come on you can make it'. We all say that to each other.

"As a person it gives you focus from one minute in the game. When you have your friend saying, 'come back on your game, give your best, refocus', that gives you strength. At the moment we are doing that all together, from the keeper to the striker. That makes a big difference."

Cesc Fabregas, Alexander Hleb and Mathieu Flamini were last night ruled out of Sunday's trip to Middlesbrough by Wenger, as Arsenal's injury crisis continues to bite.

But Toure says it's crucial the flair players are fit enough to return for the busy Christmas period.

"It's good for them to rest a little bit because when they recover, they will be better for us.

"Even without Cesc and the other players we managed to get a point [last night] and that shows our team is really strong.

"We are going to need the whole squad. We all know that Christmas is really important."