Alexis Sanchez capped a superb individual performance with two goals as Arsenal hammered winless Burnley 3-0 at the Emirates.
The Chilean striker, who joined the Gunners from Barcelona over the summer, never stopped running throughout the game and constantly showed top class work rate trying to win the ball back and bursting forward when his side were on the attack.
Not only does the 25-year-old work immensely hard but his goal to game ratio proves what a good signing he is proving to be despite the Gunners' indifferent start to the season. Sanchez now has 10 goals in 16 appearances in all competitions but one player doesn't make a team and a few of his team-mates should really take note of his performance and try following his example!
Sanchez gave Gunners' fans reason to feel positive, along with another clean sheet and the return of Theo Walcott from a lengthy absence. Arsene Wenger's men didn't set the world alight but they kept going and the quality showed in the end. Arsenal are now unbeaten in their last 23 home Premier League matches, which is a very impressive feat. However, it is worrying that it has taken 10 league games to record back-to-back league wins for the first time this season. With Sanchez in fine form and Walcott now back in the fold, there is reason to be positive and I feel November will be a decisive month in deciding which direction our season will go.
Back to the match and, despite a dominant first half, the scores remained goalless going in at half-time with Sanchez already running the show. The Chilean forced a few saves from Tom Heaton in the Burnley goal, while also curling an effort just wide of a post. The Gunners also had a strong shout for a penalty waved away in the opening 45 minutes following what looked like a handball from George Boyd.
Arsenal continued to dominate in the second half but the lack of goals was becoming increasingly frustrating, especially when Santi Cazorla saw his close range shot blocked by Michael Duff when it looked easier to score.
There was huge relief for the Gunners' faithful when the hosts finally broke the deadlock after 70 minutes as Sanchez headed home Calum Chambers' deep cross. Provider turned scorer two minutes later after a combination of Heaton and the defence kept out Danny Welbeck and Chambers was on hand to smash in the rebound for his first senior goal.
Sanchez's performance was undoubtedly the highlight for the home supporters but the return of Walcott would've been a close second. The forward, who had been out of action with a serious knee injury for over nine months, almost capped his comeback with an assist and a goal but Heaton denied him both. Lukas Podolski impressed in his 10 minute cameo, forcing a save from Heaton and also rattling the crossbar. He looks a threat whenever he comes on and surely it can't be long before he is given a chance in the starting line-up, especially as the Gunners have had trouble scoring enough goals in some frustrating draws earlier this season.
The Gunners were at least creating more clear-cut chances against the league's bottom club. Yes it was against easier opponents but you can only beat what is put in front of you and maybe, just maybe, this result can be a springboard to the Gunners getting back to better form. Sanchez at least is at his best and he added his second of the game in injury time, controlling Kieran Gibbs' cross before finishing well from close range.
Arsenal return to action with a Champions League home clash against Anderlecht and Wenger's men will need to take their game up another gear to avoid a repeat of the nervy encounter in Belgium last month. Let's make November a big month!
COME ON YOU GUNNERS!
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