Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed talisman Alexis Sanchez following the Chilean international’s scintillating display against West Ham United. Sanchez scored a hat-trick and set up Mesut Ozil for the opening goal of the game as Arsenal cruised to a 5-1 win at the London Stadium.
Wenger believes that Sanchez is a unique player and praised his work ethic. “Alexis Sanchez - it took him a while mentally to get into the game, but he can always give you something special,” Wenger told BBC Sport. “He’s a fighter and a classy player. You don’t find many players like him. He can always surprise you. He also has great technique as well. I believe we are on a strong run and it’s down to us to be mentally ready to maintain that run.”
The 27-year-old has been in sumptuous form this season and has registered 13 goals and 9 assists for the club so far this campaign. Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also heaped praise on the Chilean international and likened him to Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero.
“Alexis Sanchez was brilliant, he gives you that speed in behind opposing defences," said Oxlade-Chamberlain. “He’s like Sergio Aguero in many ways. You get balls up to him and he can just make things happen. He’s an amazing player and it’s great to have in the team. We are good on the counter-attack and Mesut Ozil and Alexis are the first to turn and go in behind.”
Sanchez is the only player ever to have scored a hat-trick in the La Liga, Premier League and Serie A. The former Barcelona player pounced on Angelo Ogbonna’s mistake and set up Mesut Ozil to slot the ball into the empty net to break the deadlock in the 24th minute. Arsenal missed a lot of opportunities to have a two-goal cushion and West Ham failed to test Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal. The Gunners finally had their second of the night as Sanchez scored a sublime solo goal in the 72nd minute.
Eight minutes later, he scored his second as his first-time strike from the edge of the box found the bottom corner of Randolph’s goal. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also got on the scoresheet for the Gunners with a stunning strike from distance. The England international then provided the through ball for Alexis Sanchez to complete his 14-minute hat-trick.
Slaven Bilic and West Ham find themselves just a point above the relegation zone and the only positive out of the game for the Hammers is the return of Andy Carroll who scored West Ham’s consolation goal.
The win moved Arsenal to second in the league table 3 points behind leaders Chelsea and enhanced their title credentials.
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