Alexis Sanchez: Arsene Wenger says Chilean is 'unpredictable' playing on right wing rather than the left

The manager said he was delighted with the form of the player

Alexis Sanchez in action for Arsenal (2016 Getty Images)

Arsene Wenger believes Alexis Sanchez is back to his best and is being more effective for Arsenal now that he is playing on the right wing rather than the left where he can be “more predictable”.

Writing in the match day programme ahead of the Gunners’ match with Crystal Palace today, the manager said he was delighted with the form of the Chilean.

“It was good to see Alexis Sanchez score again last weekend,” Wenger writes of the 3-3 draw against West Ham last Saturday. “Most of the time it’s with the efficiency of his performances that you know the he is back to his best. He’s a striker who can have an impact on the game and since he’s come back on the right, I think he is more efficient. It is more natural for him than on the left. His game is a bit more predictable on the left. On the right he is unpredictable because he can go outside and inside. On the left he looks always to come inside and that’s easier to block.”

Wenger admits that the winger had looked jaded before he picked up the injury that denied him a chunk of the season. “Before he got injured he looked a bit tired and less reactive,” the manager writes. “Part of his game is very instinctive and based on dribbling. That has to be instinctive and for that you need a freshness and sharpness. It is true that just before the injury, he looked a bit on the edge.”

Wenger also congratulates Mesut Ozil on being nominated for the Player of the Year award. “He has been stronger physically than last year because he has worked very hard. He’s added goals. Overall, his physical contribution is much better and his contribution to scoring goals is better too. He is leading by a mile in terms of assists and people love that. The art is to give the final ball and great players will do that.”

Wenger makes one change to the team that drew with West Ham, with Petr Cech returning in goal for David Ospina.