Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea as Alexis Sanchez bragged a brace in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth yesterday
Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez (left) celebrates after scoring a goal during an EPL match against Bournemouth in London yesterday. Pic/AFP
Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez (left) celebrates after scoring a goal during an EPL match against Bournemouth in London yesterday. Pic/AFP
London: Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea as Alexis Sanchez bragged a brace in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth yesterday.
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Arsene Wenger's side are within three points of top spot after Chile forward Sanchez struck in each half at the Emirates Stadium to take his goal tally for the season to 10.
Sanchez gave Arsenal an early lead before Callum Wilson equalised with a penalty before the interval. Theo Walcott headed Arsenal back in front just 24 hours after the birth of his second child and Sanchez wrapped up the points. After drawing three of their last four league games to fall six points behind Chelsea, this was a timely victory for fourth-placed Arsenal, who are now unbeaten in their last 19 matches in all competitions and firmly in the title race.
Sanchez show
Arsenal took the lead when Bournemouth goalkeeper Adam Federici rolled the ball which was intercepted by Sanchez, who gleefully slotted into the empty net. Sanchez caused more chaos in the Bournemouth defence moments later with a surging run that ended with contact from Nathan Ake, but no foul was given by referee Mike Jones as Arsenal appealed for a penalty. If that was frustrating for Arsenal, there was worse to come at the hands of Jones in the 23rd minute when he gave Bournemouth a debatable penalty for Nacho Monreal's collision with Wilson, who picked himself up to slot home his club's first ever goal against the Gunners.
Arsenal regained the lead in the 53rd minute. Mesut Ozil's cross was deflected on by Ake to Monreal, who scooped a cross back towards Walcott and the Arsenal winger nodded home from close-range before marking the birth of son Arlo with a 'rock the baby' celebration.
Easing the nerves
Bournemouth were finishing strongly and it took a fine save from Petr Cech to deny Benik Afobe, but Sanchez eased Arsenal's nerves in the 90th minute when he tapped in from Giroud's cross.
19
Number of matches Arsenal have not lost in last two seasons
10
Number of goals Sanchez has scored this season
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