Sanchez scores twice, Arsenal one point away from top 4 before final round

A 2-0 win over Sunderland kept Arsenal's hopes of a top-four finish alive until the final round, but they were unable to make a decision.

Sanchez rescued Arsenal at the crucial moment. Photo: Reuters.

Goal: Sanchez (72', 81').

The make-up match at the Emirates Stadium took place with the home team dominating the game. Right from the first minutes, Arsenal had a series of opportunities including a long-range shot by Alexis Sanchez. However, the referee disallowed the goal because the ball hit Olivier Giroud's hand before entering the goal.

The Frenchman then had a chance to make amends but Giroud could not beat Pickford in a one-on-one situation. At the end of the first half, the Sunderland goalkeeper shined once again to block a close-range shot from Aaron Ramsey.

However, Pickford's performance could not help Sunderland escape defeat in the second half. Ozil set up Sanchez to easily tap the ball into an empty net before the Chilean striker headed home the rebound to make it 2-0 after Pickford blocked Giroud's header.

The win over Sunderland gave Arsenal 72 points after 37 games. They are one point behind fourth-placed Liverpool and two behind third-placed Man City. In the final round, Arsenal will play at home to Everton, while Liverpool will play Middlesbrough and Man City will visit Watford.

Sunderland could not stop a determined Arsenal. Photo: Reuters.

Sunderland were relegated but David Moyes' side did not give Arsenal an easy game. Their defensive tactics and the brilliance of goalkeeper Pickford kept the home fans in suspense until Sanchez completed his double.

This was Sanchez's 28th goal for Arsenal in all competitions this season. In the Premier League alone, the Chilean striker has been involved in more goals than any other player, with 23 goals and 10 assists. Sanchez's influence on Arsenal's performance is huge, making his future a hot topic at the Emirates.

Alongside Sanchez, Ozil, whose contract is about to expire, continued to prove his title as the "assist king" in the Premier League. The assist for Sanchez to open the scoring was the German's 41st since joining Arsenal, five more than the next highest in this period.

Sunderland's performance has given Wenger hope for a miracle in the final round. Liverpool's direct rivals will host another relegated team, Middlesbrough, and Wenger hopes they will help Arsenal in their quest for a top-four finish.

"Sunderland fought with all their might and that's the spirit we need from every team," Wenger said, referring to Middlesbrough.

Arsenal no longer have the right to decide because even if they beat Everton in the final round, it will no longer be valuable if Liverpool win and Man City just need not lose. Even if Arsenal are equal on points with Liverpool, Wenger's team will still have to finish fifth because of the inferior goal difference.

According to VNE