WENGER: We love Sanchez but he must pull his weight

ARSENE WENGER insists Arsenal’s players and fans have demonstrated their love for Alexis Sanchez — and has called on the player to repay their faith with more match-winning performances, starting at Chelsea today.

The Chilean, who was on the verge of joining Manchester City on transfer deadline day, was the star of the Europa League game against Cologne and scored a superb winner.

His team-mates pointedly all ran to celebrate with him after the goal, which Wenger said was a reflection of his popularity.

‘We love Alexis,’ said Wenger. ‘You know he is a special character but we all love him. I think he is well loved and he’s accepted and he’s happy here.’

For now he may be, but Arsenal know he will run down the final year of his contract, most likely joining Manchester City next summer. And Wenger also said that Sanchez needs to ensure his performances are up to the expected level, after he was part of the humiliating 4-0 defeat at Liverpool prior to the transfer window.

Asked whether the club would need his fighting spirit against Chelsea today, Wenger said: ‘Yes, but he played at Liverpool as well.

‘We lose all together and win all together. It is not just about one, it’s about the team performance. That’s everyone giving 100 per cent. I believe that against Liverpool everything went against us. We were not sharp physically. ‘It was three days before the end of the transfer window and some had their heads in and out. ‘It was special circumstances and you have to take that into consideration. ‘We had a very positive end to last season and we played very well in games against the big teams, like Manchester City and Chelsea. In one game, it’s like that today: the judgement is definite and permanent.

‘But a lack of quality is not permanent. We can do something about that.’

That said, Wenger certainly has a sizeable task managing Sanchez through his last season at Arsenal.