Arsène Wenger has revealed he made a late decision to name match-winner Danny Welbeck in the squad to face Leicester City, bringing him back a week ahead of schedule.
The forward hadn’t featured for the first team since April 26, but headed the all-important injury-time winner after being summoned from the bench on 83 minutes.
After the game the manager confirmed he was not due to return until next weekend in the FA Cup.
"It paid off today, and we are all very pleased for him"
Arsene Wenger
"Yes, on Friday morning I was not convinced that I would include him in the squad, because I planned to play him next week," the boss said.
"I was going to give him one more week training, but his last two training sessions were so convincing that I decided to include him.
"It paid off today, and we are all very pleased for him."
Wenger added that the manner in which Arsenal secured the win will further enhance the team's confidence.
"I think so. We were a bit unlucky in our last two home games, against Chelsea and Southampton, and today we have shown the right attitude again.
"I don't want to speculate on the impact this has on the other teams, but on our side it strengthens our belief that we have a chance."
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Danny Welbeck celebrates at full-time
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