Wenger admits fear of Arsenal mental collapse

The Gunners manager was pleased to see his team respond to back-to-back defeats with a Boxing Day victory over West Brom.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Monday's victory over West Brom was vital to prevent another mental block from derailing their title hopes.

Olivier Giroud's header in the 86th minute secured a 1-0 victory for the Gunners that kept them within nine points of Premier League leaders Chelsea, who beat Bournemouth.

Wenger admits that the win was "a big relief" given the back-to-back defeats away to Everton and Manchester City that had threatened to see them drop out of contention for top spot.

"It could have been a 0-0 and sometimes you have to accept that," he told Arsenal Player.