Arsenal cruised to a comfortable 5-1 victory over West Ham United on Saturday evening, with Alexis Sanchez bagging a hat-trick.
With Liverpool not playing until Sunday and Man City suffering a shock 3-1 defeat at home against Chelsea, the Gunners had a chance to jump to 2nd and they did it in style.
Mesut Ozil gave the visitors the lead in the first half from a Sanchez assist, and the Chilean added two quick well-taken goals after the break to secure the three points.
Although Andy Carroll did get a consolation goal for the Hammers to give them a chance with 8 mins to go, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain managed to reinstate the 3-goal difference immediately after. Sanchez completed his hat-trick in the dying minutes.
While there was a time of uncertainty part way through the second half as the North London foiled some good chances to increase their lead, the five goals were ultimately deserved. It was one of the Gunners best displays of the season so far and now sets them up to make a bid for the top of the table through the stacked festive period.
While Sanchez’s three goals were equally wonderful in their own way, his overall display was what was just incredible. He never stopped working and put the West Ham defence under all sorts of pressure as well. The most complete performance of the season. Relentless movement, great pace, creativity and intelligence.
Hopefully we can get his contract resolved pretty soon.
Here are some of the fan reactions from Twitter:
Here is the silky goal first!
Decent finish I guess. Poor ol Randolph… #Sanchez #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/kG1RKDWaz1
— Derek Ryan (@derekryan) December 3, 2016
Sell half the team? Hopefully Ozil isn’t included in that list
https://twitter.com/SiN_ister100/status/805138184304807936
He means contract, I guess
https://twitter.com/dannmwagi/status/805133005236924416
True
https://twitter.com/gmcloone/status/805132018099044352
https://twitter.com/Yazz_Official/status/805131561733619712
Excellency at it’s best
https://twitter.com/Joel_McCormick/status/805185656200761344
https://twitter.com/bee_gibb83/status/805181799206973440
Yes, one of the best definitely
That's as good a hat trick as you're ever likely to see #sanchez
— Ravi Patel (@ravi36patel) December 4, 2016
No. There isn’t
Is there anyone better than Alexis Sanchez currently in the Prem.
Only Hazard comes close but Sanchez a bit better. #hazard #sanchez
— Chris (@Chris_AFC83) December 3, 2016
unbeliavable #sanchez #goaloftheseason #motd
— Chris Wood (@Thewoodmangarni) December 3, 2016
Wenger should get some credit
Converted From A Winger To A Striker! Unbelievable Player!!! #Sanchez #ArsenalFc #PL
— Mickey (@MukailaAdewaleG) December 3, 2016
League title, we are coming
#sanchez making me believe again. What a player. #arsenal
— Imad Mazhar Khan (@Imk49) December 3, 2016
Fantabulous, I would say
That is a fabulous hatrick. Wow #Sanchez
— Ollie (@olster81) December 3, 2016
and also unleashed it!
https://twitter.com/davearmstrong8/status/805163510976155649
