Three key stats as Arsenal returned to winning ways on the road against Middlesbrough

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13 – Alexis Sanchez strikes again away from home

Cometh the hour, cometh the man once again as Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez provided a moment of magic to give his side the lead at the Riverside on Monday evening.

In an otherwise woeful opening 45 minutes to proceedings, Sanchez provided a much-needed moment of quality to put his side in the driving seat against an extremeley disciplined home outlet.

From a central position around 22-yards from goal, the Chilean stepped up and fired a curling effort over the wall and away from the stationary Brad Guzan to put Arsenal in control.

His effort took his tally to 19 Premier League goals this season, and ensured he’s now scored the second-most goals (five) from free-kicks for Arsenal – only Thierry Henry (12) has managed more.

So many times this season the Gunners have relied on Sanchez to lift the side, or to add an ounce of inspiration to an otherwise tepid display, and with rumours still circling that the 28-year-old is on his way out of the Emirates once the season finishes there could be a gaping hole for Arsenal next year.

Directly responsible for the opener, his creative vision and clever chipped ball into the box found the chest of Aaron Ramsey, who touched it down for Mesut Ozil to ultimately fire home the winner.

Only PSG’s Edinson Cavani has managed more goals away from home (16) than Sanchez (13) this season, and he once again played an integral role in ensuring Arsenal returned to winning ways.