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'Terrific' Alexis Sanchez consistently delivering for Arsenal, says Dwight Yorke

Forward scored twice in victory over Sunderland

Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Arsenal
Image: Super Sanchez: Dwight Yorke has praised the Arsenal forward for his impressive goal scoring record since moving to Arsenal

Alexis Sanchez has adapted to life at Arsenal quickly and his goal return is reward for the hard work he puts in, says Dwight Yorke.

Sanchez scored twice on Saturday after costly errors from Wes Brown and Vito Mannone handed him two easy opportunities in a 2-0 Premier League win at Sunderland.

The Chile international has now scored eight goals in 15 appearances for the Gunners since signing this summer for £30million from Barcelona. Former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke told Match Choice that the 25-year-old has hit the ground running since moving to the Premier League and has risen to the occasion.

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Arsene Wenger was pleased with his side's solid performance against an understandably cagey Sunderland defence, in their 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.

"Arsenal and everyone who has watched world football saw what he was doing at Barcelona before he joined the club," said Yorke.

"He had a terrific World Cup and he's come to Arsenal with a lot of expectation, a lot of money has been paid for him and he's delivering.

"He's delivering week in week out. He's really risen the occasion and he's come in to a new environment and he’s quickly adapted to being an Arsenal player.

"He's been outstanding. He's that type of player with his fantastic skill and ability to play for the team, but he's also getting in on the goals and that's eight so far this season. That's a terrific return."

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Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal rounds goalkeeper Vito Mannone to score
Image: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal rounds goalkeeper Vito Mannone to score

Top four

The victory was only Arsenal's third Premier League win this season and they remain eight points behind league leaders Chelsea (before Sunday's fixtures).

Yorke insists that there is still plenty of football to play and with this win and the late comeback victory over Anderlecht in the Champions League, the Gunners will be confident on the hunt for a top-four spot.

"At this point in time, it's all about trying to qualify for that Champions League place again," added Yorke. "It was vital that Arsenal got a result at Sunderland and they've managed to do that.

"They kept themselves in the hunt to securing that place in the top four. There is a lot of football left to be played but these are the games in which Arsenal are expected to go away from home and pick up three points.

“They managed to do that and they're high in confidence with two wins in two, with the game against Anderlecht where they came back and turned that around.

"Certainly that will give them confidence going forward in their remaining campaign in the Premier League."

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