Arsenal round-up: FA Cup reaction: Arsene Wenger praises Sanchez; RB Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg linked

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Arsenal sprung a surprise on Sunday as they managed to defeat Manchester City after extra time to secure a place in the FA Cup final.

Arsene Wenger decided to stick with a three-man defence and it paid off as they were solid throughout. It was a determined performance from the Gunners as they stood firm and restricted City to few clear-cut chances.

After the match, Wenger praised the players for proving that they are mentally strong and able to fight for the team. The following quotes were reported in the Guardian:

“It was a bit test for us, it was a mental test. Many people questioned that – can we turn up on an occasion like that? I am very proud for the players. They showed a united, determined and playful response.”

It was a performance that hasn’t been typical of the current Arsenal team, as they relinquished possession and remained organised at the back.

The change in formation has certainly had an effect as they were difficult to break down and grew in confidence as the game progressed. It is now up to these players to prove that this wasn’t a one off and that they can perform to this standard on a more regular basis.

Alexis Sanchez was the player to score the winner for Arsenal during the first-half of extra time. It has been a poor few weeks for the Chilean as rumours continue to surface regarding his future and his relationship with his team-mates.

However, he has now scored the most important goal of the Gunners’ season and Arsene Wenger praised him after the match. The following quotes were reported by the Mirror:

“He is an animal, always ready to kill the opponent. He will never give up. He will be here next year because he has a contract and hopefully we will manage to extend him.”

The Chilean is the team’s best player and it was fitting that he was the one to score the goal to send them through to the FA Cup final. Although Wenger mentions the possibility of extending his contract, it still seems unlikely.

Sanchez will be wanting to compete for major honours in the near future and that may be beyond Arsenal. That said, his commitment can’t be faulted and he deserves great credit for his performance on Sunday.

The summer rebuilding job will be the main focus regarding Arsenal over the coming months, especially now that it looks like Arsene Wenger is going to remain as manager.

The Mirror report that Emil Forsberg could be a transfer target, with the Gunners preparing a £20 million bid for the RB Leipzig star. The Swedish international has been one of the stars of the Bundesliga this season, contributing eight goals and 15 assists.

The midfielder possesses great vision and he is excellent at unlocking defences, taking on passes that few other players are willing to attempt. He is capable of playing as a number ten or as a left winger, but he is much more effective in the former.

This is an interesting transfer rumour as he is a similar player to Mesut Ozil, albeit the RB Leipzig man has a higher defensive work rate. It could be that Wenger is planning to bring in the Swedish international to play alongside Ozil in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

If that is the case, the Gunners would possess two of the most creative players in the Premier League. It is too soon to get excited about the prospect of Forsberg in an Arsenal shirt, but it is encouraging that the club are looking at him.

He is a young and hungry player with high work rate. These are the types of player that the club should be signing this summer.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Stuart MacFarlane