Arsenal vs Burnley: Alexis Sanchez’s drive delivers ‘English goal’ to surprise and delight Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger

Gunners continue to improve with 3-0 stroll over Burnley

Miguel Delaney
Sunday 02 November 2014 23:30 GMT
Comments
Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring the opening goal for Arsenal against Burnley
Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring the opening goal for Arsenal against Burnley (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Arsène Wenger hailed Alexis Sanchez as the ultimate match-winner after Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Burnley, pointing to the number of goals he gets when the score is 0-0.

Wenger’s side had been enduring an afternoon of frustration on Saturday before Sanchez scored with a thrusting header on 70 minutes. The goal was that of an old-fashioned No 9, which surprised even Wenger. One claim in the summer was that Arsenal needed a more traditional striker, but Sanchez seems to possess those qualities as well as so many others.

“Let’s not forget he has been in Europe before, he hasn’t come [straight] from South America. He’s been at Udinese and Barcelona, where you play under pressure every week, and he has the physical level to cope with England.”

Wenger said he will consider playing Sanchez at centre forward. “He can play up front very well. I played him already there but after, when I bought [Danny] Welbeck I put Welbeck up front, but he can play up front, yes.”

Wenger also said an England call-up could help the returning Theo Walcott. The winger came on as a substitute, making his first appearance since a cruciate ligament injury in January.

“If he wants to go [to join the England squad], I’m happy for him to go and practice and maybe get a few minutes. I’m happy for it. Mentally it will help him.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in