Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 7y

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez studied striker role by watching videos online

Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has said he studied internet videos in order to learn how to play as a central striker after manager Arsene Wenger moved him up front.

Sanchez has been in stellar form in a central role with eight goals and five assists so far, having been used as a winger in his first two seasons at the club.

Wenger opted to make the change largely because Olivier Giroud was unavailable at the start of the season, but has stuck with Sanchez up front ever since.

And the Chile international told the official Arsenal website: "He asked me to play there so I said fine -- I looked up some videos on the internet to see how I needed to adjust my movement and I've been adapting since then."

In an interview conducted before the international break, he said: "I like it as a centre forward because I can get involved in the play more.

"I have the chance to drop deep a little bit more and that means I can link up with my teammates more."

Arsenal have concerns over the fitness of Sanchez as he prepares to play in Chile's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay on Tuesday despite having suffered a minor muscle injury in training last week.

The Gunners travel to Manchester United on Saturday and are hoping to have him available for that game.

Chile coach Juan Antonio Pizzi insisted Sanchez was not at risk, adding: "The health of our players is paramount. We will never force any player who has not got the medical all-clear."

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