Steve Kean has hailed the spirit of his Blackburn Rovers side after they battled to keep Arsenal out on Saturday, despite being reduced to 10 men.

Steven Nzonzi’s red card was the third big debatable refereeing decision to go against them in the last three games and Kean admits lesser teams could have crumbled.

He said: “Even when we were down to 10 men I thought the commitment and togetherness of the group were there for everyone to see, we were fighting for each tackle, fighting to hold on to each ball.

“I don't think there have been many times Arsenal have not scored here so for us to get the point in the manner we did was excellent.

“We have got momentum, belief and everyone knows that. You don't play like that with 10 men if you don't have team spirit and a fantastic group of players.

“Our togetherness has never been in question. You saw that in the Fulham match where we came back twice, the Blackpool match and then on Saturday when we go down to 10 men we dug in, battled, got the ball and didn't let a very good Arsenal side over run us.

“The good thing is the players dug in to another reserve bank. I don't know where that came from but they dug in deep and weren't just going to feel sorry for themselves.

“They took the decision from the referee, respected that and did their own job and half a job for someone else. ”