Sanchez challenges Arsenal to show title desire
ALEXIS Sanchez has questioned whether his Arsenal team-mates have the hunger to salvage their spluttering Premier League title bid.
Arsene Wenger’s side face a crucial north London derby at fellow title challengers Tottenham today on the back of successive league defeats and facing growing scrutiny about the team’s perceived lack of character.
In all competitions, the Gunners are without a win in four games, a run that also includes the FA Cup draw with second tier Hull and a home defeat against Barcelona in the Champions League.
Having been regarded as favourites by many to end their 12-year wait to regain the Premier League title, Wenger’s side risk seeing the campaign turn into one of under-achievement.
A third victory in four visits to White Hart Lane would restore belief they can close the six-point gap on current leaders Leicester and move the Gunners level on points with Tottenham in second place. But after the dismal midweek home defeat against Swansea that came on the heels of a disappointing loss to Manchester United, Chile winger Sanchez has raised the delicate issue of the squad’s desire to succeed.
“I think we can win the Premier League with the players we have. That said, we lack a certain hunger,” Sanchez said.
“We need to step out onto the pitch as if we’re already 1- 0 up.
“We lack self-belief, that we can actually be champions. I remember a game against Manchester United last year.
“The lads looked hungry for silverware as we took to the pitch.
“We crushed them in the first 20 minutes and went 2- 0 up. We were hungry and brimming with confidence that day.”
Wenger admitted Arsenal now face a testing challenge as they attempt to bounce back from a morale-sapping loss to a side still battling to secure its Premier League future.
“Football is football, it is cruel sometimes. We need to live with that and show that we can bounce back,” Wenger said.
“Tottenham’s defeat ( against West Ham) means we a re mathematically still in the game. We have to bounce back quickly and realise that we have a difficult game on Saturday and prepare well.”
Arsenal’s cause will not be helped by the loss of goalkeeper Petr Cech (groin) and centre-back Laurent Koscielny (calf).
David Ospina will deputise in goal and Wenger said: “Petr had a little groin problem before the game and I think he struggled a little bit tonight. — AFP