Arsene Wenger hails 'special' Alexis Sanchez after Chilean carries Arsenal to victory over Bournemouth 

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Arsene Wenger hailed Alexis Sanchez for breathing life into his 'nervous' Arsenal side in Sunday's 3-1 win over Bournemouth.

Chile forward Sanchez scored Arsenal's first and last goals and was a constant nuisance as the Gunners recovered from a poor first half to take all three points.

And manager Wenger credited a large part of that to his star man's tireless efforts in attack.

Alexis Sanchez scored twice as Arsenal beat Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon

Arsene Wenger hailed Alexis Sanchez for breathing life into his 'nervous' Arsenal side

Sanchez has started all-but one of Arsenal's Premier League games this season despite a gruelling schedule that has included travelling across the Atlantic to play for his country.

'Even when he looks dead, he is still alive and always finds the resources to do something special when you win the ball back,' Wenger said. 

'He has that gut feeling to find that extra gear to be dangerous when ball comes to him.' 

Arsenal had looked shaky after Callum Wilson slotted home an equaliser to Sanchez's opener from a penalty and Wenger admitted his team's nerves were on show as they tried to end a run of three consecutive draws.

Sanchez (right) scores Arsenal's third goal in injury time at the Emirates Stadium

'When they equalised we became nervous and three draws played on our minds,' he said. 'It was up to us to calm down and focus on the game.' 

Sanchez, speaking in a rare English-language interview with Sky Sports after the game, said: 'I’m so happy for two goals but the team’s mentality is strong.' 

Focusing on Arsenal's title challenge as they kept pace with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, the forward — who often posts images on Instagram of his dogs — added: 'The number one is Chelsea, and there's City too. 

'I like the Premier League! 'I’m happy for my team, and the fans. I’m happy I can now go home with my dogs!’ 

Sanchez has started all-but one of Arsenal's Premier League games this season