Arsene Wenger hails star man Alexis Sanchez after the Chilean’s two-goal wonder show against Bournemouth
ARSENE WENGER hailed Alexis Sanchez after the Chile star’s two-goal wonder show.
He delivered a 3-1 win over Bournemouth to move Arsenal three points behind Prem leaders Chelsea.
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And boss Arsene Wenger admits it is almost impossible to give his £33million 10-goal top scorer a rest — even when he is on his last legs.
Wenger said: “Even when he looks dead he is still alive and always finds resources to do something special.
“He has the gut feeling to find that extra gear to be dangerous whenever the ball comes to him.”
Now Wenger wants Sanchez to end the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future by signing a new contract.
He said: “It’s important but we will not do that tonight and we have time in front of us to sort that out.”
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Cherries boss Eddie Howe was not so impressed with Sanchez’s late challenge on Harry Arter, which earned him a booking.
He said: “A red card didn’t spring to my mind but I know Harry isn’t happy about it and he’s sore.”
But Wenger insisted: “I don’t think there was a desire from Alexis to hurt him. Yes, he was late. But not with excessive force or violence.”
Arsenal’s other goal was scored by Theo Walcott, just 48 hours after the birth of his second son, Arlo.
He said: “The baby was born at home on Friday and I’m probably the happiest person in the world right now. It’s been a perfect weekend.”
Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last 19 games but Wenger admitted: “We became very nervous when Bournemouth equalised and the three draws in our last three games played on our minds.
“I was amazed when the ref gave them a penalty. It was very soft, shoulder to shoulder, and we should have had a penalty when Alexis was fouled.”
But Howe was adamant his team should have had a second spot- kick for handball against Nacho Monreal.
He said: “The scoreline is very difficult for us to swallow.
“We were well in that game considering we gave them their first goal and there was a penalty right in front of me. It was a handball.”