Sanchez double ensures Wenger can enjoy landmark night

Arsene Wenger celebrated another landmark night in his garlanded Premier League career as an Alexis Sanchez double inspired his Arsenal charges to a pulsating 3-2 win at Crystal Palace Thursday. On the night he equalled former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson's record of overseeing 810 Premier League games, Wenger watched the brilliant Sanchez turn an exciting match with two superb second-half goals in the space of four minutes. Shkodran Mustafi had given the dominant visitor a deserved lead after 25 minutes but Arsenal were made to rue a host of first-half near-misses as Palace roared back soon after the break with a well-worked Andros Townsend goal. Then Sanchez, whose future at Arsenal remains uncertain, demonstrated his world-class talent, first with a thunderous 62nd minute snap shot and then a lovely piece of control and fine finish from Jack Wilshere's long, precise through ball.

Arsenal have won more #PL London derbies (120) than any other side pic.twitter.com/KYggJHZkAL

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 29, 2017

Despite James Tomkins ensuring a nervy finish for the visitor with an 89th minute headed goal, the win left Arsenal still in sixth place but they moved on to 37 points, alongside Tottenham Hotspur and to within a point of the top four. Palace, beaten for the first time in nine games, are 16th on 18 points, just a point above the relegation zone. There must have been much satisfaction for Wenger, whose own future at Arsenal had never been more hotly debated than when his side lost this same fixture 3-0 at Selhurst Park in April last season. That defeat inspired the Gunners' successful run which ended with an FA Cup triumph and Wenger will now be hoping this victory could start another impressive sequence at the start of 2018 as they chase Champions League football for next season.

Man of the Match, @Alexis_Sanchez4 shots 3 on target 2 goals 2 chances created 101 touches, most in match#PL #CPFCvAFC pic.twitter.com/E1ZSBQgEMe

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) December 28, 2017

What part Sanchez will play for him remains unclear but the Chilean, whose name has been consistently linked with a move to leader Manchester City, could not be faulted and neither, naturally, could his skill. After Townsend's well-worked equaliser assisted by a pinpoint Wilfried Zaha cross had changed the game's complexion, Arsenal's nerve were settled only when Palace striker Christian Benteke hit a poor clearance out of defence, a mistake that ended with Sanchez rifling home the visitor's second in the 62nd minute. Then Wilshere, back to something near his best, picked out a delightful over-the-top, quarterback-style pass that Sanchez controlled expertly on his thigh, before sliding the ball past Palace goalkeeper Julian Speroni. Sanchez's excellence prompted the inevitable question to Wenger afterwards about whether he was fearful of losing the Chilean, especially with the striker's contract expiring at the end of the season.

810 - Arsene Wenger will take charge of his 810th game as a Premier League manager tonight; equalling Sir Alex Ferguson’s Premier League record. Stalwart. pic.twitter.com/eApDDgYarz

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 28, 2017

Still, Palace, who have become a completely different proposition since Roy Hodgson took charge with them languishing at the foot of the table, pressed to the end with Tomkins' header ensuring a frantic finish.RESULTPalace 2 (Townsend 50, Tomkins 89) Arsenal 3 (Mustafi 25, Sanchez 62, 66)