Arsene Wenger insists fatigue rather than a dip in form influenced his decision to substitute Alexis Sanchez during Wednesday’s goalless draw against West Ham.
The Chile international was hauled off with eight minutes remaining of last night’s London derby as Wenger attempted to find a solution to Arsenal’s continued struggles away from home.
Sanchez, who conceded possession on 66 occasions against Manchester United and Southampton combined, was off colour again as toiled up a West Ham defence that has improved markedly since the appointment of David Moyes.
Wenger has only ever taken Sanchez off previously when Arsenal have been in a winning position, but he denied the decision to introduce Alexandre Lacazette at the expense of the 28-year-old had nothing to do with his current form.
‘It’s difficult to say that but he tried tonight, he did fight,’ said Wenger on Sanchez’s performance when asked if his performance levels had dipped.
‘It was difficult because they defended very well too.
‘He is [very ambitious] but in situations like that, you do not want to focus on one player.
‘You focus more on the collective attitude of the team to keep them focused on the quality of our game. We created chances and that will come back.’
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