Arsene Wenger challenges Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette to repeat Everton display

Star performers: Lacazette and Ozil embrace at Goodison Park
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Olley27 October 2017

Arsene Wenger has challenged Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette to pick up where they left off at Everton when Swansea visit the capital Saturday.

Last weekend’s 5-2 win at Goodison Park was the first time the trio had been on the pitch together since Lacazette’s £52.7million arrival from Lyon.

All three scored as Toffees boss Ronald Koeman was condemned to the sack after his team were terrorised by the Gunners, who secured their first away win of the season.

Wenger hinted the trio will start against Swansea and the Arsenal boss admitted his regret over injuries and absences delaying the selection of his most high-profile attacking triumvirate.

“You always want everyone in the best possible shape and, of course, when you miss people it is frustrating,” Wenger told Standard Sport. “They were very efficient at Everton, they have to be efficient on Saturday. There is no definite solution, we are in a job where competition counts, and if it works, they have to make it work to keep their position.”

Ozil, in particular, excelled against Everton, while Sanchez scored his first League goal of the campaign. The pair continue to resist offers to sign new contracts at Arsenal, but Wenger insisted they remain fully focused.

“What people questioned is their commitment,” he said. “I didn’t and what happened on Sunday reinforces my belief. What we want from them is to show that week in, week out.”

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Gunners chief executive Ivan Gazidis attempted to explain the impasse in talks with Sanchez and Ozil at yesterday’s annual general meeting.

“You don’t always have a choice of where you sell a player, nor do you have control of whether a player extends with you or what demands his agent makes,” he said. “None of this information is going to be in the public domain, that leads to pressure and criticism. Those on the outside don’t know the dynamics, don’t know the demands.

“Probably the most vocal criticism we have ever had at an AGM was after we had transferred Robin van Persie [to Manchester United in 2012]. That was one of the most difficult decisions we have ever had to make.

“This summer, we have taken a different tack. The decision [to keep] Alexis and Mesut is not a decision to fit the narrative that we put money first. We’ve taken that approach to give the club the best possible chance to compete.”