Mertesacker: Sanchez loss crucial

Per Mertesacker admits Alexis Sanchez’s two-month injury absence contributed to Arsenal’s failure to maintain their Premier League title challenge.

Sanchez has been in fine form in recent weeks and took his goal tally to five in four games as he hit the match-winning double in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over West Brom on Thursday night.

The win moved them up to third as they look to secure a 20th consecutive season of Champions League football but they once again look set to miss out on the title after topping the table at the turn of the year.

Chile striker Sanchez sat out the vital Christmas and New Year period with a hamstring injury and has taken time to recover his best form, a factor Mertesacker believes is telling. 

“There are a couple of things we missed, but he is obviously one,” he said.

“When he was out, I think the …

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