Alexis Sanchez took charge in Arsenal’s win over Bournemouth and he’s quickly become their talisman…
Arsene Wenger described Alexis Sanchez as “remarkable” after last week’s draw at Manchester United and, against Bournemouth on Sunday, he was once again the Gunners’ standout man. It’s becoming a familiar role.
Sanchez has emerged as Arsenal’s talisman this season. The 27-year-old is the player his team-mates look to for inspiration and he relishes that position, providing a spark and a scoring touch to Arsenal’s play, as he did in their 3-1 win over the Cherries at the Emirates Stadium.
He constantly demanded the ball as Arsenal laboured in the first half against Eddie Howe’s impressive visitors and, as the hosts gained control in the second period, he led the attack.
Sanchez scored twice, hit the bar, could have been awarded a penalty and finished the game with 74 touches, the most he’s recorded in a Premier League match since the start of October.
But Sanchez isn’t selfish. He came up with five key passes, too, creating more openings for his team-mates than any other player on the pitch.
His link-up play with Mesut Ozil in particular is a key combination for Wenger. They exchanged 17 passes on Sunday, as they looked to unpick Bournemouth’s backline, and Sanchez fed the German in the Bournemouth penalty box in the build-up to Theo Walcott’s headed goal.