Huth’s heartbreak a source of joy for Wenger

ROBERT HUTH really did not deserve his unwitting role in Leicester’s late demise, having been outstanding in the centre of defence as the champions repelled Arsenal for 86 minutes. Arsene Wenger’s team had abandoned the new, back-three system and were low on alternative ideas when Nacho Monreal took a chance and drove the ball into the penalty area from the left. Monreal’s effort swerved into Huth’s broad chest and deflected inside the post, leaving Kasper Schmeichel helpless and Wenger ecstatic. There really had not been much for him to enjoy up until that point and he had spent most of the evening sitting on the bench, looking glum, hunkered down in his padded winter coat. Leicester came to defend and counter-attack and did it well. Arsenal, while far from their best, still dominated and piled on pressure in the second half but found the champions in stubborn mood. Wenger had challenged his players to win their final seven fixtures in the Premier League in a bid to make a late scramble for a top-four finish. Arsenal appeared flat and devoid of any creative spark, which does not bode well for a North London derby at Tottenham on Sunday. But they did find the late winner — with a little slice of fortune. Wenger admitted: ‘Leicester were hard to break down, but we were patient and did not give away any chances. ‘We created some dangerous chances. We had to give everything on Sunday afternoon in the FA Cup semi-final, playing extra-time. ‘Every win gives you a little more momentum. I don’t have a preference for the Manchester derby, we don’t have to look much at the others. We just have to look after ourselves. The target is clear for us.’ When the second half opened in similarly turgid fashion to what had come before, the home crowd started to show their frustration but Arsenal grew stronger as time went by, encouraged as one or two cracks finally started to appear in the Leicester rearguard. The visitors rarely came out of their own half. Wilfred Ndidi, excellent in his defensive duties, forced Petr Cech into action from another long throw by Christian Fuchs but Leicester dropped deeper as time ticked by. Wenger reverted to a back four when he sent on Danny Welbeck to replace Kieran Gibbs. He then threw on Olivier Giroud and Aaron Ramsey — and the winner arrived.