No Alexis Sanchez For Christmas Period As Arsene Wenger Reveals Setback

Mesut Ozil proficiently played the role of instigator to help Arsenal claim a 2-1 win over error-prone Manchester City and moved closer to within two points of surprise Premier League leaders Leicester City.

City fell behind after first-half strikes from Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud and while Yaya Toure scored late in the second half, it was in vain as the visitors had their winless streak on the road stretched to five league games.

Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini remained upbeat despite his side’s defeat to Arsenal, insisting City’s second half display bodes well for the future.

– Arsenal have lost just one of their last 11 Premier League games against Southampton (W6 D4 L1). “Today was again an important game and I tried to give my best”.

“When we did not have the legs any more we relied on the spirit and that got us through in the end”.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger heralded Ozil after the German playmaker rose from his sickbed to inspire his team to victory.

But Wenger says he has no plans to open discussions with the pair until the season is over – with Arsenal now the favourites to win the Premier League title.

“We haven’t proven anything yet and we haven’t been that consistent that we can talk about that”, he said after Arsenal’s fourth-straight win in all competitions.

“That is important, that you don’t lose two together at the same time”. “I believe he has developed his physical attributes, his physical commitment, you see a desire to win”.

“He is the main threat and he gives a good pass at the right moment and he can see the difference so we try and find him”.

“It is a game you come out very happy as we have shown all types of ingredients you need in these big games”, Wenger said. That he has and without his star player Alexis Sanchez (coming back from injury), his dynamic and combative young defensive midfield prodigy Francis Coquelin and his diminutive midfield controller Santi Cazorla.