Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, hailed Alexis Sanchez's 'gut' following his match-winning display in the victory over Bournemouth on Sunday.

The Chile international capitalised on a misplaced back pass to open the scoring in a 3-1 home win at the Emirates, before adding the third in stoppage time to secure the three points.

Sanchez was also booked in the second half for a late and dangerous tackle on Bournemouth’s Harry Arter, but Wenger had words of praise rather than reproach for his forward.

“Even when he looks dead he's still alive,” Wenger said. “He finds always the resources to do something special. He has that' 'gut' conditioning that when the ball comes to him again, he finds always that extra gear to be dangerous.”

“I don't think there was a desire to hurt Arter,” he added, referring to the tackle which earned Sanchez a caution.

“He hurt him yes, because it was late, but I don't think it was with excessive force or violence, he was just too late to take the ball. He did not want to injure Arter.”

Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Show all 22 1 /22 Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Petr Cech - 6/10 Aside from the penalty, he was required to do very little throughout but he stepped up when he was needed. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Mathieu Debuchy - 5 It was a shame to see him leave the pitch with an injury so early into the game after such an anticipated return to the side. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Shkodran Mustafi - 6 His work rate was exceptional today and his speed at the back kept his side in it at times. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Laurent Koscielny - 7 Despite being clumsy in a few challenges, it was a classic Koscielny performance. He led his line well and defended hard. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Nacho Monreal - 6 He gave away the penalty in the first half, but aside from this he worked well up and down the pitch throughout. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Mohamed Elneny - 7 Linked up very well with the Gunners strikers and showed his ability in the defensive third. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Granit Xhaka - 6 His work rate was unquestionable, but he didn’t see enough of the ball. His shooting could also do with some work. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Theo Walcott - 6 He was a key element to the Arsenal counter attacks and his pace caused the Bournemouth defence issues. His efforts were rewarded with a last minute goal. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Mesut Ozil - 7 It was a classic Ozil performance today. Set pieces, assists, through balls and his passing were all very impressive. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6 His pace caused Bournemouth a number of issues, which won his side a number of free kicks. Defensively he looked strong too. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Alexis Sanchez - 8 Fully deserved his goals today. Tracked back and led attacks in a disciplined performance. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Adam Federici - 5 He lacked any real presence in between the sticks, and appeared to lack confidence. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Simon Francis - 5 Made a number of clumsy challenges and let his temper get the better of him at times. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Steve Cook - 5 A dismal defensive mistake gave away the first goal, but following that, he did his job. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Nathan Ake - 7 His defending was brave and he took no chances in his defensive third. Showed glimpses of brilliance. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Brad Smith - 6 Impressed going forward, but defensively there’s room for improvement. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Dan Gosling - 6 Exceptional work rate and made his presence known throughout. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Harry Arter - 7 He was a key outlet for the Bournemouth side. He created chances, made space and defended well. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Adam Smith - 6 It was a safe performance from Smith. He played his role well and stopped a number of Arsenal attacks. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Joshua King - 5 He didn’t see enough of the ball throughout for a player of such ability. If he had more involvement, he could have done some serious damage. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Junior Stanislas - 6 His first half was impressive, but he appeared to go off the boil in the second. Deliveries into the box were good. Arsenal vs Bournemouth player ratings Callum Wilson - 7 Did his job today and his efforts were rewarded with a well-deserved goal.

Wenger also revealed that Olivier Giroud may face a spell on the sidelines, after appearing to tweak in hamstring in the final stages of the game.

Earlier, Mathieu Debuchy, making his first appearance of the season, had been forced to leave the field after just fifteen minutes.

On Giroud, Wenger said: “He felt a twitch at the back of his hamstring and I hope it's not too bad, but he told me after when he sprinted he didn't feel anything.

“Debuchy, he thinks its a severe one. I have to speak to medical people. You can only assess it after 48 hours.

Eddie Howe, the Bournemouth manager, did not see Sanchez’s challenge on Arter as malicious either, but claimed that his player was still not happy with the tackle after the final whistle.

“It didn't spring to my mind but I'm only going off my first look,” Howe said. “I know Harry wasn't happy when I saw him in the dressing room, but we'll wait and see to review that.

“I thought we were very good today. It's very difficult when you go 1-0 down in a game, especially in the manner that we conceded, an individual mistake.