Goal hero Darren Carter admitted his delicious volley that flew past Jens Lehmann for West Bromwich Albion's winning goal against Arsenal ranked as arguably the pinnacle of his career.

It was his first Premiership goal for the club and arrived only eight minutes after he had replaced Ronnie Wallwork in central midfield.

Carter has always been remembered for scoring the penalty that took Birmingham City to the Premiership, but this crucial strike will ensure he starts another chapter in his scrapbook.

"I am lucky to have had a few memorable moments but, when you score the winner against Arsenal, it ranks very highly indeed," said a jubilant Carter.

"It is a great moment but it will be worth even more if we can go on a run and get ourselves up the table a little bit more.

"When I moved from Birmingham in the summer, I think I left that play-off goal behind. It was a great moment in my career and I will always look back on it fondly. But I have always said I want to emulate that and go on and get more moments like that.

"The ball took a deflection and had a bit of spin on it. so I wasn't particularly confident as it approached me, but as soon as it bounced up there was only one thing in my mind - that I was going to hit it.

"Fortunately. I caught it sweetly and it flew into the

top corner, which I am delighted about.

"When it left my foot, I knew it had a chance of going in and even though Lehmann got close to it, I hit it as sweetly as I could."

Carter is optimistic that he can stake a claim for a regular starting role in Albion's midfield after his impressive 22-minute cameo against Arsenal.

His strike arrived in the nick of time as the Gunners were building up a head of steam and he admits that Albion's defence earned their corn as the ante was raised by the FA Cup holders.

"Arsenal stepped it up a gear in the second half and tried to penetrate a bit more, but I thought we stood strong and the lads defended magnificently," he continued.

"Chris Kirkland was magnificent in goal and when you defend like that, you have always got a chance at the other end.

"We took our chance and blocked everything out at the other end and it showed what this team is all about. When we get together and work together, we are a force.

"The way we threw ourselves at everything and got about them and forced them to give us the ball back, it was a performance that we needed and we knew we were capable of.

"They have got a few injuries and someone said they have somewhere in the region of £100 million worth of players out injured.

"There was no better time to play them but they still had bags of international talent out there, but that performance should give everyone a boost, especially the fans.

"I think Arsenal is always a tough fixture and you are going to have to play at the very top of your game to get anything.

"Everyone is talking about Chelsea, as they are running away with the league at present, but don't think Arsenal are going to fall away, as I think they will still be up there challenging and you have got to give them respect as they are a great side.

"I spoke to the gaffer last week and he reassured me that I would get my chance here and that is all I have wanted since I arrived.

"I have had to work hard over the past few weeks and keep myself focused and he has given me my chance, so it is all down to me now.

"Hopefully, I can get that run to prove myself. Everyone on the training ground has been saying that we needed a result like this to kick-start our season and we have managed to get it. Hopefully, we can now go on to Bolton and get a result."