Monday 15 February 2016 18:27, UK
Nigel Winterburn believes Arsenal have much greater strength of character than in seasons gone past and that could be the key to their title challenge.
The Gunners defeated Premier League leaders Leicester 2-1 on Sunday, with Danny Welbeck scoring a stoppage-time winner on his return from injury to move two points behind the Foxes.
Arsene Wenger admitted afterwards it was a game Arsenal had to win and Winterburn feels the character they showed to grind out the victory demonstrated their title credentials.
"This is a different Arsenal to seasons before," Winterburn said, speaking on Sky Sports Now. "Yes, they had their little blips. A few weeks ago they went top and didn't win for four games.
"But they are showing when they need to deliver a performance, usually Arsene Wenger gets that from his team. It shows that there is a big togetherness within the squad. It was absolutely massive for Arsenal to win the game.
"Everybody was saying before this game that Arsenal had to win and you heard from Arsene Wenger after saying that a draw wasn't good enough.
"Now they are right back in it along with Tottenham as well. You could now see that the leaders keep flip-flopping each week as the games go ahead."
Welbeck's winning goal came in his first substitute appearance after being sidelined for ten months with a knee injury.
Earlier in the game, Theo Walcott cancelled out Jamie Vardy's opener after coming off the bench and Winterburn believes that strength in depth could make the difference for Arsenal over the final 12 games of the season.
"The one thing I have said about Arsenal over recent weeks - the disappointing thing for me - is they didn't have the quality depth coming off the bench," Winterburn said.
"When I saw the team sheet and saw the substitutes this weekend, it was the first time I thought a game could be changed by Arsenal with everybody coming off the bench - and it proved to be decisive with Theo Walcott and Danny Welbeck scoring."
