Arsene Wenger Comments on Alexis Sanchez After 2-Goal Display vs. Bournemouth

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed Alexis Sanchez's ability to produce something special "even when he looks dead" after the Chilean netted a double in the Gunners' 3-1 Premier League victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.

The hosts had to work hard at the Emirates Stadium to overturn the Cherries after Callum Wilson's penalty cancelled out Sanchez's opener. But Walcott and the former Barcelona man both netted in the second half to secure the three points.

Wenger picked out the Chile international as the key man and discussed the potential of him signing a new contract, per Mark Irwin in the Sun:

"

Even when he looks dead he is still alive and always finds resources to do something special. 

He has the gut feeling to find that extra gear to be dangerous whenever the ball comes to him.

It’s important [that he signs a new contract] but we will not do that tonight and we have time in front of us to sort that out.

"

Sanchez's deal expires in 2018, and he has reportedly been in talks to sign to new terms since August, per Steve Stammers in the Mirror.

Given his importance to the side, Arsenal will be desperate for him to commit further to the club as they will be in danger of him departing cheaply if he enters the last year of his deal.

In the 2016-17 season, Sanchez has played predominantly as a No. 9 rather than from the flank, and he has been brilliant, netting eight goals and providing three assists in 13 Premier League appearances, per WhoScored.com.

However, he has played a lot of football of late, and it was previously reported that Wenger is planning to give him a winter break in order to avoid burnout, per the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel and Matt Barlow.

Season	Appearances (as a sub)	Minutes	Goals	Assists
2016-17	12(1)	1089	8	3
2015-16	28(2)	2446	13	4
2014-15	34(1)	2953	16	8

The French manager will be loath to leave him out of any important games, as he is Arsenal's most productive forward in front of goal and would be sorely missed.

Arsenal's victory over Bournemouth ended a run of three consecutive draws in all competitions and moved them back to within three points of Premier League leaders Chelsea.

The Blues, though, are in fantastic form having won seven league games on the bounce, so Arsenal will need to keep winning if they are to remain in the title race.

The Gunners' next match is Wednesday's EFL Cup clash against Southampton, for which Sanchez will likely be rested.

Their upcoming Premier League games are against West Ham United, Stoke City and Everton, before an away meeting with Manchester City on Dec. 18.

Wenger would be a brave man to rest Sanchez against the Sky Blues, but he may well look to give his star forward a rest in the interim in order to keep him firing.