Zimpapers Logo

LONDON. — Alexis Sanchez became the first Arsenal player since Thierry Henry to score over 20 goals in his first season and manager Arsene Wenger said the Chilean has exceeded all his expectations.The effervescent 26-year-old scored a brace in Arsenal’s 3-1 Premier League victory against Hull City on Monday night to take his tally to 24 goals in all competitions in his debut campaign. Sanchez has set the English Premier League alight since his £35 million arrival from Barcelona in the close season though his impressive goal tally tells only part of the story of his impact at the Emirates Stadium. The attacking midfielder has also contributed 11 assists and plays with an unrivalled energy and enthusiasm to inspire an Arsenal team who have claimed 28 points from a possible 30 to all but secure Champions league qualification for an 18th successive season.

His 24 goals, including 16 in the Premier League, have come in all manners from unstoppable long-range thunderbolts to deft finishes at the end of mazy runs. — AFP.