Arsene Wenger claims Leicester 'nerves' will creep in during run-in as Arsenal boss resorts to mind games

Arsene Wenger addressing a press conference

Leicester are already five points clear ahead of Sunday’s showdown at the Emirates and Wenger believes the romance could turn to jitters

Arsene Wenger resorted to mind games to try and derail Leicester’s title challenge.

Wenger claimed the “nerves” will creep in during Leicester’s run-in once they realise what they have got to lose.

Leicester are already five points clear ahead of Sunday’s showdown at the Emirates and Wenger believes the romance could turn to jitters.

Gunners boss Wenger said: “I believe they are still in a position where they think where they are, they have nothing to lose.

“But once you are top of the league, you can also think about losing what you have. That is where the nerves come in a little bit. I do not know how they will respond to that.

“In the last week they have solid potential to win the league with two positive results against Liverpool and Manchester City away. Everybody now thinks they are on the same level as everybody else to win it and they have a mathematical advantage of five points.

“The pressure is on us as well, of course. I don’t deny that but I take that in a very positive way and as an opportunity to show how strong we are.

“Of course it is very romantic and I understand the whole country [being behind them], I said that last week. That is human.”

Wenger has also called on Arsenal fans to postpone their protest before the Leicester game. Both sets of fans have threatened to boycott the first five minutes in protest at the game being switched to Sunday at noon with just three weeks’ notice.

Wenger added: “You want everybody there when the game starts. For me, the game is a joy and everyone has to be part of it. You can protest before and after, but during the game, you want everybody to be there.”

Ranieiri though hit back at Wenger by insisting it will be “a disaster” if Arsenal do not win the title.