Arsene Wenger insists that he decides when Sanchez is substitued

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The Chilean international was visibly aggrieved after being withdrawn during recent games with Ludogrets and Swansea City.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told The Mirror that star-striker Alexis Sanchez ‘is not special’, after the Chilean international reacted angrily to being substituted during the Gunners’ recent victories over Swansea City and Ludogrets.

Sanchez has been in scintillating form for joint-league leaders Arsenal since being switched into a central striking role by Wenger; registering six goals and five assists so far this season, whilst bringing out the best of his attacking teammates with his exemplary work-rate and ingenious movement.

However, the seemingly imperishable Chilean international was discernibly frustrated after being withdrawn during Arsenal’s recent games, adopting a stroppy demeanour as he stormed towards the Gunners bench.

Wenger has now addressed the 27-year-old’s distaste for being replaced, explaining that he will be treated the same as any other player in regards to substitutions whilst insisting that handling the talented Chilean’s game-time is in the club and player’s best interests.

Speaking to The Mirror, the long-serving French manager said: “For me he (Sanchez) is not a special case. He is a player like everybody else. When I decide to take him off, I take him off.

“There is no special case. He has his own character but he is not treated differently from everybody else.

“They all recognise it after the game but during the game they want to stay on the pitch. You want to play even when you are tired.”

“I tested Sanchez because he played two games in South America. Sometimes I rest him straight away after. I played him the other day against Swansea so I thought I would take him off when it is possible. We consider every case individually.”

Vivacious forward Sanchez missed two-months of action for Arsenal last season after aggravating an existing hamstring injury, and Wenger knows that he can ill afford to lose the indispensable 27-year-old for a similar time period during the current campaign, with the in-form Gunners currently well positioned for a tilt at domestic and European success.

Arsenal’s scintillating recent form was somewhat blunted by last weekend’s disappointing 0-0 home draw with newly-promoted Middlesbrough.

However, Sanchez and co. will be desperate to recoup lost points when they travel to the Stadium of Light to take on rock-bottom Sunderland on Saturday.