Arsenal should have scored more, admits Wenger

Scott Anderson
Arsene Wenger: Reported candidate for England boss.

Arsene Wenger: Reported candidate for England boss.

Arsene Wenger praised the “exceptional” Alexis Sanchez after the Chilean scored both goals in a 2-0 win over West Brom, but admits the Gunners “should have scored more”. 

Sanchez scored two first half goals including a brilliant long-range effort and a clever free-kick to guide Arsenal to  2-0 win over the Baggies to ease the pressure on the Arsenal boss.

The Gunners now climb up to third in the Premier League and are four points clear of fifth placed Manchester United with only four games remaining.

There was a nervous atmosphere inside the Emirates Stadium prior to the match, with many fans choosing to stay at home rather than attend the game.

Sanchez two goals soon raised the spirits of the Gunners fans that did attend the game, and although manager Wenger praised the match winner, the Frenchman admitted his side were wasteful in front of goal.

Speaking after the match, Wenger said: “We did the job in a serious way. We played well technically and the only regret is we should have scored more goals.

“We did not always make the maximum points in other games for the quality of our play. The early goal helped rather than being anxious about the consequence of the result and it helped the team.

“It looks like Sanchez is back sharper, more confident. In the first half he was more exceptional.

“Of course we have regrets. We had two draws when we should have won the game several times and when you do that you pay for it. Sunderland will be a tough battle. We have a good chance to do it but it’s far from done.”

Speaking about the potential unrest from the home fans, Wenger added: “We were prepared mentally to deal with and master the situation, but scoring early helped.

“I don’t know why the fans stayed away. It’s Thursday night, it’s not easy and I do not want to comment on that. I’m commenting on football.”