Sublime Alexis Sanchez scores double and creates a third to put Arsenal back in Champions League frame
Laurent Koscielny began the Gunners revenge mission with a header from his Chilean teammate's cross in the first half
A sublime Alexis Sanchez scored twice and created a third as Arsenal climbed level on points with fourth-placed Southampton following a 3-0 Premier League victory against Stoke City on Sunday.
After Laurent Koscielny headed Arsenal into a sixth-minute lead from a Sanchez cross the outstanding Chilean fired in a brilliant second before scoring with a deflected freekick for his 18th goal in all competitions this season.
Arsenal’s win was soured by a dislocated shoulder suffered by defender Mathieu Debuchy but the Gunners were able to welcome back German World Cup-winner Mesut Ozil following a lengthy absence.
It was very important to start the game well. We remember the game at Stoke, after 20 seconds we conceded a goal
Victory lifted Arsenal above rivals Tottenham Hotspur to fifth, level with Southampton who travel to Manchester United, one point and place above them, in Sunday’s late game.
“It was very important to start the game well. We remember the game at Stoke, after 20 seconds we conceded a goal,” Koscielny told Sky Sports.
“We were very focused and it’s very important to score the (early) goal and very important that the three points is with us.”