But after Leicester’s Danny Simpson was sent off, substitutes Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck struck to lift Wenger’s side to within two points of first place and rekindle hopes of a first league crown since 2004.
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Leicester still lead the table – but Arsenal’s win leaves them only two points clear.
Manager Claudio Ranieri gave the players a week off to recharge their batteries before their next game against Norwich City on February 27.
From the moment Welbeck scored Arsenal’s late victor, the England striker was trending in the United Kingdom. We limited them from countering and that was the important thing.
After their victory over the Foxes, Arsenal FC are well on their way to secure a 14th title, or at least offer a tough competition in the title run.
However, Owen is crossing his fingers that Leicester are able to upset the odds and win the title this season.
As time went on, Leicester City started getting back into the game, with Jamie Vardy earning a penalty towards the end of the first half after a foul by Nacho Monreal.
No matter what team you support, it’s hard to deny that Arsenal’s narrow win over Leicester was one of the most exciting games of the season so far.
“It was a pivotal moment because the mathematics meant it could be eight points or it could be two points. That is a great change”, he said.
Speaking after the match, Wenger told the press that his side had overcome a huge psychological test in beating Leicester. “That was a big mental hurdle for the team because we were under shock at half time”.
“It was a very good performance, we are still a young team and we will benefit from performances like that”, said Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino, who would not be drawn on their chances of a first league title since 1961.
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But Ranieri was adamant Leicester would have won the match if Simpson had not been removed and felt the decision was harsh. I think the referee was too severe against us for the sending off. Yes of course [Simpson should not make the challenge], but look, the match was full of fouls and then why send off a player? You can’t say who will win for definite in any game in the Premier League.
