Arsene Wenger heaped praise on Alexis Sanchez after the Chilean scored an FA Cup semi-final winner for the second time in three years.

Sanchez grabbed an extra-time winner against Reading in 2015, and did the same today in the 2-1 win against Man City, sending the Gunners through to the final on May 27th.

It was a big game contribution from a big game player, and he drew the plaudits of his manager after the game.

“Alexis Sanchez was like the team,” he said. “He had problems at the start but became stronger and stronger.

“He is instinctive, he is an animal – always ready to kill the opponent. In games like that he never gives up.”

The manager was also pleased for the fans who have been through the mill in recent times.

“I feel when you see today and you watch the stands, you see how big this club is,” he said.

“I feel just happy when our fans go home tonight and they are happy. When I don’t win the games I feel sad because I don’t feel that I give what people want.

“We have gone through a very difficult period and we faced some adversity that made the situation more difficult from inside as well.

“But we’ve shown a united response, not a divided response, but of course, mentally we were in a fragile position.”