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

Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring the opening goal for Arsenal against Burnley (Getty Images)

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.”