Sanchez ‘has to repay the faith’

ARSENE WENGER insists Arsenal players and fans have shown their love to Alexis Sanchez but has called on him to repay their faith with more matchwinning displays, starting at Chelsea.

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 fine winner.

And his name was cheered unanimously by the home crowd, unlike the mixed reception when he came on against Bournemouth last weekend.

Also, on Thursday, 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 that he will now run down the final year of his contact, most likely joining Manchester City next summer.

Wenger also said 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 who comes on or who starts is giving 100 per cent.

‘I believe that on the day [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.’