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Wenger admits Arsenal relief

Alexis Sanchez scored both of Arsenal's goals © Getty Images

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Arsene Wenger admitted his relief after Arsenal returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Sunderland in the Premier League.

Alexis Sanchez scored twice at the Stadium of Light to ensure Arsenal claimed a first victory in four league matches, with Wenger hoping the result will spur his side on in the coming weeks.

"He [Sanchez] took advantage of the mistakes they made but he's also got a super quality - he's quickly on your feet which is why he wins many balls that normal players don't," Wenger said. "He's very quick in transition from offence to defence and wins the ball back very quickly. We can take advantage of that."

And, following their Champions League victory at Anderlecht last Wednesday, Wenger was pleased to end the week on a high.

"We had a different game on Wednesday," Wenger said. "Sunderland had a big defeat last week and before the game what we wanted was the three points and we got them.

"I believe we were quite in control as long as we could score the second goal. Of course you [can] concede a goal and drop points but we didn't do it today - we were focused, maybe we missed some opportunities in the final third and the final ball.

"Overall we are very happy to get the three points. We won at Anderlecht, we won here today, two and a half days later and that's never easy.

"Sunderland were focused on defending very well today because they conceded many goals last week. I felt in the first half they were a bit low in confidence but in the second half they came out more and we had more chances on the break.

"When you have such a big defeat - and we have all gone through that - you go down in confidence quickly but you regain it slowly. The game today will improve Sunderland's confidence levels. I think they'll be alright."

Wenger was also asked about the fitness of Theo Walcott, who was an unused substitute as he closes in on his comeback from a nine-month injury absence.

He added: "He's fit but he lacks competition and contact in the Premier League. There's no problem with his fitness."

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