Wednesday 10 May 2017 22:51, UK
Arsene Wenger praised the impact made by Alexis Sanchez in Arsenal's "convincing" 2-0 win over Southampton on Wednesday.
The Gunners scored with their first shot on target at St Mary's as Sanchez cleverly turned in the box on the hour mark and fired past Fraser Forster.
Substitute Olivier Giroud made the points beyond doubt as Arsenal kept their hopes alive.
The win sees them move up to fifth in the Premier League, three points behind Manchester City in fourth and four points behind Liverpool with a game in hand.
"We had a consistent performance from the first to the last minute," said Wenger. "We were dynamic, quick going forward and well-organised.
"It was a difficult game but we expected that and I believed in the second half we could score the goals that we didn't in the first half because we created more space. It was a very convincing win.
"We took over in the second half and created many opportunities."
Having been quiet for much of the match, Sanchez was Arsenal's driving force as he scored a fine individual goal before helping set up the second.
"That's Alexis, he's a player who never gives up," said Wenger. "He's always tricky to stop, very good in short space and in the box he is dangerous.
"The goal he scored tonight shows what he's about: very good technique in a short space.
"He scores important goals. Tonight is not a 5-0... He has invention in his head. He's creative, not phased by anything, and he surprised everyone in the stadium tonight with his goal.
"He always grows during games, he is always a bit of a slow starter and gets stronger and stronger."
Reflecting on Giroud's impact as he scored his sixth goal from the bench this season, Wenger added: "He has been amazing for us.
"It's difficult for me at the moment, it's between [Danny] Welbeck and Giroud and both played well and have a great spirit. I am always harsh with the one who doesn't play."
The only negative for Arsenal was losing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to injury in the first half.
Wenger said: "He has done his hamstring but I don't know how bad it is."
