Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is relying on Chilean international Alexis Sanchez to turn on the style this afternoon when the Gunners take on Liverpool at the Emirates.
Wenger managed to sign Sanchez from Barcelona last summer, despite being worried that he might go to Anfield as part of the deal that saw Luis Suarez move to the Nou Camp.
Wenger said: “At the end of the day only Sanchez can explain to you why he has chosen us.
“I don’t know why he did that but we are happy that he made that decision.
“I was aware of Liverpool’s interest. You never know if it’s really true, but I thought it could be because of Suarez.
“It made sense – an exchange and some money for Liverpool.”
Liverpool is currently fifth in the table six points behind third place Arsenal and are desperate to finish in the top four so that they can play Champions league football next season, while Arsenal is just one point behind second place Manchester City after having won their last six games.
Just to make matters worse for Liverpool the Frenchman said that Sanchez would have made the perfect replacement for Suarez because he is an even better player.
“They are similar types and I rate Sanchez at the top,’ said Wenger.
“If you look at the qualities; efficiency, work-rate, fighting spirit, he is top.
“I don’t know if he can be Player of the Year, I haven’t thought about that and I’m lucky I don’t have to do that.
“But when it becomes flat, he is a player that can revitalise the strengths and dynamics of the team and the supporters.”
