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Arsene Wenger makes shock claim about this Arsenal star
ARSENAL star Alexis Sanchez played against Manchester United injured, Arsene Wenger has revealed.
The best of Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez was a doubt for the game against Manchester United on Saturday due to a hamstring injury.
The 27-year-old picked up the knock while on international duty with Chile but was named in Arsene Wenger's starting XI at the weekend.
And Wenger has since defended his decision to play Sanchez in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford despite him not being 100 per cent.
Alexis Sanchez played against Manchester United injured, Arsene Wenger has revealed
Alexis Sanchez struggled to have his usual impact for Arsenal at Old Trafford
"It's very unusual [for me to use an injured player]," Wenger said after the game.
"But I did it because Sanchez is a guy who can take people on and I knew that would be a quality.
"He is good in counterattacks in short spells as well. He is always a player who is not scared of anybody.
"I think he played very well in the first half. In the second half, we didn't give him enough service.
"But overall, for a guy who has played a decisive game on Tuesday for Chile, or basically Wednesday morning, travelled after and had jet lag, it's remarkable that he was able to play as he did."
Sanchez has been in stunning form this season for Arsenal since being moved into a more central attacking role.
Olivier Giroud rescued a point for Arsenal with a late header
The South American has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 16 appearances for the Gunners.
However, he was largely ineffectual against United at the weekend, and Wenger was forced to call upon Olivier Giroud from the bench.
The Frenchman came on a snatched a late equaliser on the 89th minute - his third Premier League goal from the sidelines this term.
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