The Gunners boss switched the winger into a central role at the start of the season. Olivier Giroud’s absence early on due to his busy summer at Euro 2016 with France meant Wenger had to adapt. And Alexis Sanchez has excelled up top since, scoring six goals in 11 Premier League games, along with two in the Champions League. Arsenal are hoping the 27-year-old is able to start against Manchester United on Saturday, after suffering an injury scare on international duty.

GETTY Arsene Wenger has stuck by his decision to convert Alexis Sanchez into Arsenal's main striker

Sanchez is set to feature for Chile in their World Cup qualifier tonight (11.30pm), and his desire to constantly play is highlighted by his even greater contribution as the Gunners' hitman. “I like it as a centre forward because I can get involved in the play more,” Sanchez told the club’s official website, prior to the international break. “I have the chance to drop deep a little bit more and that means I can link up with my team-mates more.

GETTY Alexis Sanchez has continued to train and play for Chile despite an injury scare

Alexis Sanchez pictured in training with heavily strapped thigh Mon, November 14, 2016 Alexis Sanchez was pictured training with Chile on Sunday with a heavily strapped thigh Play slideshow EPA 1 of 6 Alexis Sanchez was seen training with Chile on Sunday but Arsene Wenger won't be too impressed...

[The manager] is the one who decides, he’s the one who changes things around and decides where we play Alexis Sanchez

“[The manager] is the one who decides, he’s the one who changes things around and decides where we play. “He asked me to play there so I said fine - I looked up some videos on the internet to see how I needed to adjust my movement and I’ve been adapting since then.” Following Sanchez’s hamstring scare, Wenger warned Chile it would be ‘suicidal’ to gamble on the ex-Barcelona man’s fitness.

GETTY Alexis Sanchez has been in prolific form for Arsenal in front of goal