Alexis Sanchez scored twice at the Stadium of Light as Arsenal capitalised on mistakes by the home side

Published: 26 October, 2014 
by STEVE BARNETT 

Premier League 
SUNDERLAND 0, ARSENAL 2

ARSENAL have finally found their "Luis Suarez" in the shape of Alexis Sanchez, according to team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. 

It became the biggest talking point of the transfer window when the Gunners bid £40million and one pound for Suarez 15 months ago. Adding an extra pound instead of seriously upping their bid was a mistake that would haunt the club as the now Barcelona striker almost single-handedly guided Liverpool to the title. 

That mistake, however, has now been rectified by the arrival of Sanchez, who scored twice on Saturday to help Arsenal clinch a much-needed victory at Sunderland. 

"He’s a world-class player – everyone saw that at the World Cup," said Oxlade-Chamberlain following Saturday's win. "He’s an unbelievable player and part of his game is his character and his hard work – that’s where he’s got both his goals from against Sunderland. 

"He reminds me of Luis Suarez when he chases everything down and makes nothing into something. He’s done that for us twice and scored goals at important times for us." 

Sanchez did well to bag his brace at the Stadium of Light, but the assists for both goals came from Sunderland players. The Chilean forward capitalised on Wes Brown's dreadful backpass to clip Arsenal in front on the half-hour mark.  

Sanchez benefited from another mistake in stoppage time when he caught former Gunners goalkeeper Vito Mannone dawdling on the ball to score a simple second. 

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was also full of praise for his big summer signing following the 2-0 win. 

"Sanchez took advantage of the mistakes they made," he said. "He’s got a super quality – he’s quickly on his feet which is why he wins many balls that normal players don’t. 

"He’s very quick in transition from offence to defence and wins the ball back very quickly. We can take advantage of that." 

ARSENAL: Szczesny, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Gibbs (Bellerin, 74), Arteta (Ramsey, 88), Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Rosicky, 90), Sanchez, Cazorla, Welbeck. 
Subs not used: Martinez, Podolski, Walcott, Campbell. 
Attendance: 44,449.