Wenger says Arsenal win may not be enough to keep Sanchez, Ozil
Arsene Wenger believes Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil proved their commitment to the cause after they inspired Arsenal to a 2-0 victory over Tottenham.
Arsenal defied their doubters with a breathless performance at the Emirates Stadium as controversial goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Sanchez sealed a derby success.
Sanchez could have added more to his tally while Ozil was influential throughout as his bending cross set up Mustafi’s bullet header.
Arsenal’s star duo have not extended their contracts beyond next summer but it showed why they each remain crucial to their team’s chances of success this season.
Gunners boss Wenger said: “If you have to give me one credit, it’s that I’ve never questioned that – I know them well and I know that when these guys go on the football pitch, they want to win the game.
“They’ve shown their commitment again today. I’ve never questioned their commitment.
“They can have bad games but the problem is that, when a player gets near the end of his contract and has a bad game, everybody says it’s because he’s going. Their interest is to play.”
However, Wenger stopped short of claiming that pulsating victories like these might persuade Sanchez and Ozil to stay.
“I’ve been in this job long enough to know that’s not enough,” Wenger said.
“The quality of the contract has to be good and enough for them as well. I am convinced that they love the club and they love the team.
“But the whole thing has to be right and they have to be happy. I believe that they love the club, they want to stay, but there are other top clubs out there who offer good contracts as well.”