Arsenal: Gunners overcame 'mental hurdle' to beat Leicester City claims Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claimed his side overcame a big 'mental hurdle' to recover from being 1-0 down at half time against Leicester City to win 2-1 in their top of the table clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday 14 February.

Jamie Vardy gave the Foxes the lead from the penalty spot after a controversial spot kick was awarded in the 45th minute when the England striker fell over Nacho Monreal's outstretched leg. But the league leaders found themselves reduced to 10 men early in the second half when Danny Simpson received a second yellow.

Theo Walcott's side foot finish brought Arsenal level in the 70th minute, before Danny Welbeck, returning to the side for his first competitive game since April 2015, glanced in Mesut Ozil's free kick to give the Gunners the win and spark delirium around the Emirates Stadium.

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. We didn't see that [the penalty to Leicester] coming and we were eight points behind Leicester at half time," he said.

"Today you could see Leicester being in this position [leage leaders] is no coincidence. They are quality, they defend very well, they come out quickly. But in the second half we had the right energy level and they never came close to half way," added Wenger.

The result means the Gunners remain third in the table, but are now just two points behind the league leaders. Arsenal's north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur remain ahead of the Gunners on goal difference, after beating Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium.

Arsenal next face Hull City in the fifth round of the FA Cup as they look to win the competition for a third successive year, before taking on La Liga holders Barcelona in the first leg of the Champions League last-16.