An Alexis Sanchez brace proved to be the difference on the night as Arsenal survived a late scare to beat Crystal Palace 3-2 at Selhurst Park on Thursday.
Shkodran Mustafi broke the deadlock midway through the first half before it was cancelled out by Andros Townsend just four minutes into the second. But, Alexis Sanchez scored twice within four minutes to give Arsenal, what would turn out to be an unassailable lead.
James Tomkins did score in the penultimate minute of regulation time to give the Eagles slight hope of grabbing a point, but Arsene Wenger’s men held on. And Sanchez, who has come under scrutiny of late for being too lackadaisical, was praised for his contribution on the night.
Alexis Sanchez is having like the worst season of his career but somehow still has more premier league goals and assists than Eden Hazard.
— Danny Welbeck (@WelBeast) December 28, 2017
Can we all just take in the fact that Alexis Sanchez is having an absolute stinker of a season & still has more goals than Eden Hazard!
— Arsenal (@ffarsenalfc) December 28, 2017
No Arsenal player has contributed to more goals this season than Alexis Sanchez’s 12 (8 goals, 4 assists). #afc pic.twitter.com/zaTpp6llWc
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) December 28, 2017
Once upon a time Eden Hazard vs Alexis Sanchez was a one sided argument in favour of Hazard but I wonder if that argument is still one sided as two or three years ago. Alexis Sanchez has become the most dynamic wide man in world football. #CRYARS
— EDAFE MATT ESEOGHENE (@ELEGBETE1) December 28, 2017
Keep hearing Alexis Sanchez isn’t bothered or trying any more. He was brilliant once again – never stopped running, also defended so well and scored 2 goals #CRYARS
— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) December 28, 2017
Alexis Sanchez will leave but before then he has decided to get scoring again #CRYARS
— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) December 28, 2017
Man of the match performance from this man today !
2 goals!
Great all round playPalace 2- 3 Arsenal pic.twitter.com/LvL91uyYPS
— Humzah Jogee⚪ (@Humzahjogee) December 28, 2017
I think if Palace had been more pro-active from the start they’d have got a point tonight. Whenever they took the game to Arsenal they got some joy. Sanchez excellent though
— Ed Malyon (@eaamalyon) December 28, 2017
I’m pleased to see Alexis Sanchez clap the fans at full-time and stay out with the players rather than quickly disappearing off down the tunnel.
— FK ☕️ (@fkhanage) December 29, 2017
Best performance of the season if u ask me. Had a bit of everything
— 7 (@drinalexis) December 28, 2017
Alexis Sanchez showing his worth time and time again.
Doesn’t matter what you think of him, our best player since he joined us.
Whatever happens,I’ll love you and will always wish you well in your career.
One Alexis Sanchez ? pic.twitter.com/FF3Xt4BJ85— Lets Talk Arsenal ? ⚪️ (@ltarsenal) December 28, 2017
And that is some control and finish from Alexis Sanchez, who has been superb. Some might say there’s a transfer window on the horizon.. #afc #psg.
— AFCAMDEN (@AFCAMDEN) December 28, 2017
Jack Wilshere seemed to be at his best, and the Englishman produced the moment of the night with a stunning pass for Sanchez’s second goal.
Jack is back! ? #SuperJack pic.twitter.com/zHOWv2eFAg
— John (@John_AFC_Gooner) December 28, 2017
That ball from @JackWilshere for Alexis Sanchez’s 2nd goal.?
Wilshere is getting better each and every game. Not back to his best yet, but getting there.
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) December 28, 2017
Can watch Sanchez goal over and over. What a great ball over the top ? #CPFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/M7XyNgaxCS
— Eastend Gooner (@BoydcaleyOwner) December 28, 2017
Just noted how @JackWilshere is back to his best in his playmaker-role. But need more assists / goals .
Then he produces a great pass to Sanchez— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) December 28, 2017
Imagine thinking England have a better midfielder than Wilshere.
— Don Vicentillo Cerebronè (@Cerebrone) December 28, 2017
I’ve been a Wilshere fanboy since the slums of 2010 and I can only say I’m absolutely buzzing for the lad. Never gave up on him and so happy he’s thriving in an Arsenal shirt once again #JW10 pic.twitter.com/vSlFHQDTpS
— Shaz (@MysticMO11) December 28, 2017