Arsenal legend: Why Arsene Wenger will have been surprised by Alexis Sanchez

Alan Smith believes that Arsene Wenger will have been pleasantly surprised by Alexis Sanchez’s strong form playing as a central striker for Arsenal this season.

The Chile international has regularly been deployed in a central attacking role for the north London side this season and has been in fine form for the Gunners.

Sanchez has scored eight goals and made two assists in the Premier League this term and has already netted 10 times in all competitions for the Gunners this season.

Smith admits that he was not sure that Sanchez could fill the void left by Olivier Giroud up front this season, but the Chile international has proved him wrong.

Speaking on Sky Sports News HQ on Monday morning, Smith said: “He’s one of those players who plays off the cuff. You can’t read what he’s going to do next and what he normally does next is very good.

“I had my doubts about him playing through the middle but he’s given Arsenal something different, to the frustration of Olivier Giroud.

“I think Arsene Wenger will have been pleasantly surprised by how well he’s done.”

Sanchez scored twice as Arsenal beat Bournemouth 3-1 at the Emirates on Sunday to leave them three points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League table.

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The Gunners take on West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday night.