The Chilean has scored eight goals in all competitions for Arsenal this season.
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has admitted to Sky Sports that Alexis Sanchez’s performances as a striker have surprised him.
Arsene Wenger has elected to move the Chilean from a left-wing position to a central striker role this season.
It has been a change that has proven to be extremely successful, with him currently sitting on eight goals in all competitions, the club’s joint highest goalscorer.
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring their first goal
The effect the change it has had on his teammates has been noticeable too, with the likes of Mesut Ozil and Theo Walcott also flourishing alongside him.
Merson is one of the Arsenal fans who will be delighted with the way he has been playing but admits it has come as a surprise to him.
“I have to say he’s surprised me, I didn’t think he could play up front,” he told Sky Sports.
“I thought he was more of a player that played off the centre-forward but he’s playing up front and defenders must hate playing against him. He doesn’t stop, plus he has that class.”
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring their first goal
It will be interesting to see if Arsene Wenger sticks with Sanchez as the main striker for the remainder of the season.
The Frenchman has good options available to him in his current squad, with Olivier Giroud recently showing he is ready to come in and compete.
He has three goals in his last three games in all competitions and Sanchez will know he has to maintain his impressive form to ensure he keeps his place.
Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez celebrates scoring their first goal
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