Sanchez key to Arsenal hopes

London

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Theo Walcott says Alexis Sanchez’s ability to reproduce the form that terrorised Leicester holds the key to Arsenal’s success in the Champions League.

Sanchez netted a brilliant hat-trick to inspire Arsenal’s 5-2 thrashing of Leicester on Saturday.

The Chile winger hadn’t scored for the Gunners since their FA Cup final win over Aston Villa in May and his early season form had been patchy as he struggled to recover from the draining experience of leading his country to the Copa America title in the close-season.

But Walcott believes the former Barcelona star’s scintillating display at Leicester proved he is back in the groove just in time for a crucial Champions League clash with Greek side Olympiakos on Tuesday.

“I am sure he is going to flourish now with many, many more important goals. It has been a long time coming, he knows that himself. But he is very pleased,” Walcott said.

“He is a top-quality player and even when he is not scoring goals he works so hard for us. He tracks back and does a lot for the team.” Gunners boss Arsene Wenger agrees Sanchez is back to his world-class best.

“He is back to his level. He won a big competition with Chile -- the Copa America -- and to adjust again to a competitive level when you come back takes some time,” Wenger said.

“We could see in training already a different player in the last week or two.”

Emphatic 

 Walcott was also on the scoresheet with the Gunners’ first goal as they came from behind at the King Power Stadium to end Leicester’s unbeaten run in emphatic fashion.

Wenger’s side are now just three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester United, who they host next Sunday. But before that summit meeting, the north Londoners must focus on Europe as they look to revive their Champions League campaign when Olympiakos visit the Emirates Stadium.