Arsenal, Spurs win crucial games with late goals

Leicester's Shinji Okazaki in action with Arsenal's Francis Coquelin and Aaron Ramsey during the 26th round of the English Premier League?at the Emirates Stadium, London, England, Feb 14, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham both won crucial games with late goals in the 26th round of the English Premier League on Sunday.

Arsenal beat leaders Leicester for the second time this season thanks to a goal from Danny Welbeck in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

"It will strengthen our belief that we are in the fight because we had a bit of a dodgy spell," Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said.

"It would have been massive for us to lose," he added.

Welbeck, returning for the first time from a 10-month layoff for injury, came off the bench in the 83rd minute and headed in Mesut Ozil's free kick 12 minutes later.

Leicester had gone ahead just before halftime from a penalty kick. Jamie Vardy scored his league-high 19th goal of the season.

But Leicester suffered a surprise blow in the opening nine minutes of the second half, with defender Danny Simpson sent off after getting two yellow cards.

Theo Walcott levelled the score in the 70th minute, actually from Arsenal's first shot on target.

Leicester, who has lost only three times in the season, remaines at the top with 53 points.

Tottenham Hotspur kept its spot as the second placer with the victory at Etihad Stadium. Christian Eriksen slot home in the 83rd minute to seal the win.

Harry Kane gave Tottenham the lead in the 53rd from a penalty that was controversially awarded for a handball against Raheem Sterling. Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho made it 1-1 in the 74th.

Tottenham is two points behind Leicester, leading Arsenal on goal difference. City is fourth with another four points behind.

In the other match, last-place Aston Villa was crushed 6-0 at home by Liverpool.