Alexis Sanchez was on top form as Chile beat Venezuela 3-1 in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday evening, a result that sees them leapfrog Argentina into fourth in the South American standings.

The Arsenal forward took just five minutes to break the deadlock with a stunning free-kick, his 37th international goal which moves him level with the legendary Marcelo Salas at the top of Chile’s list of all-time top goal-scorers.

However he missed the chance to break Salas’ record in the same match, as he missed a penalty late on. A brace from Esteban Paredes made sure of the three points, despite West Brom striker Salomon Rondon pulling one back for the visitors.

Sanchez is now Chile's joint top scorer (Getty)

The result completes quite the turnaround for Sanchez, who angrily stormed off down the tunnel without his team-mates at the end of Chile’s 1-0 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires, on Thursday.

The forward missed a number of chances and rattled the crossbar with a dipping free-kick late on, angrily tearing at this shirt upon the final whistle and falling to the turf in frustration.

Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Show all 9 1 /9 Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Why Alexis lost the plot The Arsenal forward could not control his temper after Chile lost to Argentina in an important World Cup qualifier. AFP/Getty Images Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Why Alexis lost the plot Angrily tearing at his shirt, the forward was left to rue several missed chances as Argentina won 1-0. AFP/Getty Images Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Why Alexis lost the plot The striker pulled his shirt above his head after the final whistle. AFP/Getty Images Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Why Alexis lost the plot Sanchez had been Chile's best player but was unable to find a way past Sergio Romero. AFP/Getty Images Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Why Alexis lost the plot He briefly flung himself to the floor as the final whistle blew. AFP/Getty Images Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Why Alexis lost the plot Sanchez was just about able to bring himself to shaking hands with the officials before storming off down the tunnel alone. AFP/Getty Images Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Why Alexis lost the plot The Arsenal man was unfortunate to see a stunning long-range free-kick attempt cannon off the crossbar. AFP/Getty Images Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Why Alexis lost the plot Late on Sanchez resorted to taking numerous shots from distance in an attempt to single-handedly salvage a point. AFP/Getty Images Alexis Sanchez goes into meltdown against Argentina Why Alexis lost the plot But, on this occasion, the 28-year-old came up short. AFP/Getty Images

Sanchez will now fly back to England to report back to Arsenal’s training centre at London Colney.

How much longer the 28-year-old remains at the club however remains to be seen. His current contract with the club expires at the end of next season , but talks with the club have been shelved until the end of the current campaign.

Sanchez, along with his team-mate Mesut Özil, is asking for upwards of £250,000 per week but a breakthrough has yet to be reached with Arsenal, despite months of negotiation.

Sanchez and Ozil have both stalled over a new contract (Getty)

The player has been regularly linked with a move to Juventus in Serie A, while this week he also emerged as a surprise transfer target for Premier League leaders Chelsea.