Alexis is a bull, says Arsenal captain Arteta

The Gunners midfielder is full of praise for the Chilean, who has been prolific in front of goal since moving to north London from Barcelona this summer


Mikel Arteta has been surprised and impressed with how quickly Alexis Sanchez has adapted to life in the Premier League.

Alexis has scored 10 goals in 16 outings in all competitions since joining the Gunners from Barcelona this summer, most recently netting braces in back-to-back games against Sunderland and Burnley.

Arteta has praised the work ethic of the Chilean and labelled him a ‘bull’ for his energy.

“I don’t think we are surprised by his performances, but we are with how he’s adapted to the Premier League,” Arteta told reporters ahead of the Champions League clash with Anderlecht.

“As the boss [Wenger] said, he found it a bit hard in the first few weeks but now he’s found the platform, the confidence and physically he is the level he needs to be at because his game is very demanding as well. The way he’s contributing to the team and the spirit of the group as well is very good.

“It makes our job easier when you have a player in his form scoring goals for the team. It’s very helpful, but as well, how he looks after the people around him and [the hard work] he does in every game is something we need to highlight.

“He gets more highlights with his goals, assists and his tricks, but his hard work and his ethic in every game is very important as well.

“South Americans in England normally find it a bit hard. When you’re an attacking player and people are expecting a lot from you, sometimes it’s even more difficult. He’s a bull – he goes again and again. That’s the only secret with Alexis. He wants to get better and better. That’s the way he is.”

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