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ARSENAL closed the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea as Alexis Sanchez bagged a brace in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth yesterday.

Arsene Wenger’s side are within three points of top spot after Chile forward Sanchez struck in each half at the Emirates Stadium to take his goal tally for the season to 10.

Sanchez gave Arsenal an early lead before Callum Wilson equalised with a penalty before the interval. Theo Walcott headed Arsenal back in front just 24 hours after the birth of his second child and Sanchez wrapped up the points.

After drawing three of their last four league games to fall six points behind Chelsea, this was a timely victory for fourth-placed Arsenal, who are now unbeaten in their last 19 matches in all competitions and firmly in the title race.Even Wenger conceded Arsenal had lost their momentum of late and, in a bid to revitalise his team, the boss made seven changes from the midweek draw against Paris Saint-Germain.

France striker Olivier Giroud dropped to the bench and there was a recall for right-back Mathieu Debuchy, who last played for Arsenal in November 2015.

On-loan Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere was ineligible to play for Bournemouth against his parent club, but his absence didn’t stop the visitors sticking to manager Eddie Howe’s philosophy of playing out from the back.

It proved a fatal indulgence in the 12th minute. Bournemouth goalkeeper Adam Federici rolled the ball out to Steve Cook on the left and instead of knocking it long under pressure, the defender tried a back-pass that was intercepted by Sanchez, who gleefully slotted into the empty net.

Wilshere, watching from the stands, buried his head in his coat as injured Arsenal team-mate Danny Welbeck turned to indulge in some banter with his friend.

— SuperSport