Arsene Wenger admits Alexis Sanchez found it difficult playing for Arsenal against Manchester City

Posted by

Wenger discussed Sanchez’s mental state afterwards.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admitted Alexis Sanchez found it difficult playing against transfer suitors Manchester City in this afternoon’s game at the Etihad Stadium.

The Gunners were beaten 3-1 by City amid ongoing doubts over Sanchez’s future, with the Daily Mirror recently claiming the Chilean has made Pep Guardiola’s side his preferred destination for next season when his contract expires.

READ MORE
Man City 3-1 Arsenal player ratings, stats and reaction

The 28-year-old didn’t have his best game for Arsenal today, and Wenger made a telling comment in his post-match press conference when discussing his star player.

With BBC Sport also reporting in the summer that City failed with a deadline day bid for Sanchez, it doesn’t come as too much of a surprise to hear Wenger admit Sanchez perhaps found it harder than usual to focus on today’s game.

Still, the French tactician also insisted his quiet game was down to a lack of adequate support from his team-mates on the day.

MORE: Arsenal transfer news

‘I felt in a difficult moment of the game he did very well. I felt in the first half he was sharp but did not have enough support,’ Wenger was quoted in football.london.

‘Overall he gave everything. It was a huge mental test for him but I had no doubts before the game.’

Following this ‘huge mental test’, Sanchez also raised a few eyebrows as he was seen engaging in a warm embrace with City coach Mikel Arteta at full time.

More Stories Alexis Sanchez Arsene Wenger