Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Alexis Sanchez thrilled with Arsenal's style and focus this campaign

Alexis Sanchez says he's loving Arsenal's style of play this season, while adding that the Gunners are more focused than last year.

Sanchez has thrived in his new role as a central striker, helping create a more fast-paced and fluid attack for Arsene Wenger's team. He has eight goals and five assists already this season, but is currently being assessed for a calf injury after suffering a muscle tear in training with Chile on Monday.

In an interview with ESPN Brazil conducted before that injury, Sanchez said Arsenal's playing style this season works better for him than when he was on the wing.

"The truth is yes. I love this style of play and I am very happy to be with the club," Sanchez said. "I have adapted well, the team moves the ball better.

"And what I like is that when I go out to put on the pressure, the entire line runs in behind me together. And I like that. And depending upon the pressure that I put on, the team follows me from behind. And that is great.

"I love the football here [in England]. It's back and forth, attack and defend, attack and defend. The fans love it and it is fun to watch as well."

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season after failing to maintain their title challenge after January, but Sanchez said he senses a different mindset in the team now.

"I think we are more focused. We have the same ambition, but we are more focused on the details, which are very important," he said. "And as I said, if the XI who are out there playing are not doing well, the players on the bench are ready to solve any problem."

Sanchez missed nearly two months last season with a hamstring injury, and his current calf problem is still being assessed. Wenger has often talked about the difficulty of resting Sanchez because of his relentless energy, and the Chilean admitted he doesn't want to take it easy even when his manager tells him to.

"He tells me I must rest, but I don't like that. I don't want to rest, especially not during the matches," Sanchez said. "I want to be out there. If I don't play I get very angry and I come home from the match very sad.

"Because I train so that I can play. I rest so that I can play. It is my job and I do everything I can to be fit and at 100 percent."

^ Back to Top ^