Alexis Sanchez: The Wonder Boy

Alexis Sanchez: The Wonder Boy — page 5 — the dressing room before the game but he knew he didn’t really need to inspire his superstar You’ve had an amazing first year here but you need to end it with a winner’s medal As Alexis walked out on to the pitch holding the hand of a mascot fireworks went off all over the pitch The FA Cup trophy was sitting there shining brightly and waiting for him He couldn’t wait to get the ball and run at the Aston Villa defence He knew it would be a tough game but there was no way he was going to lose this match Alexis had been the Arsenal hero in the semi-final scoring both goals to beat Reading And he was determined to be the hero again in the final patient Alexis said to Mesut Özil and Theo Walcott his partners in attack If we play well we will score in the end Alexis was right Aston Villa stopped them again and again but the Gunners didn’t give up or get frustrated At the end of the first half the Gunners finally scored and it was thanks to Alexis Nacho We need to stay focused and we need to be 12 ALEXIS SÁNCHEZ

Alexis Sanchez: The Wonder Boy — page 6 — I’m not done yet Alexis told Mesut once Arsène Monreal crossed from the left and Alexis was there at the back post He couldn’t get enough power to head for goal so instead he headed the ball across to Theo who smashed it into the back of the net They had that goal they needed had given his half-time team talk The important message was that they were only halfway to victory I want to win but I also want to score Five minutes into the second half Alexis chased across the pitch to get to the ball first The Aston Villa defenders backed away in fear of what he might do with his brilliant skill Alexis had the space he needed for one of his trademark long-range shots With his right foot he hit the ball with so much power and swerve that the goalkeeper could do nothing as it sailed over his head Alexis couldn’t believe it he had scored and it was one of his best goals ever Per Mertesacker scored a third and Olivier Giroud made it four 4 0 what a way to win the FA Cup Final On the touchline Arsène clapped and allowed 13 THE WONDER BOY

Alexis Sanchez: The Wonder Boy — page 7 — Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Alexis shouted with himself to smile He was very proud of his squad and especially his Chilean superstar What a signing he had been his teammates at the final whistle They were a close group of friends and they were in the mood for a party With an Arsenal scarf around his neck and a Chilean flag in his hands Alexis was one of the first players to walk up the stadium steps to collect his medal from Prince William As he passed the fans high-fived him and patted him on the back He was part of the Arsenal family now and he loved it It was great to get the medal but what he really wanted was the trophy Captains Per and Mikel Arteta were the first to lift it and then it was his turn Alexis shouted for joy as he raised it above his head He kissed it twice and passed it on to Jack Wilshere was wearing a silly red-and-white jester hat and he was having the time of his life We did it Jack told him giving him a big hug He 14 ALEXIS SÁNCHEZ

Alexis Sanchez: The Wonder Boy — page 8 — It wasn’t Alexis’s first trophy but it was certainly one of his favourites Down on the pitch there were more fireworks and Theo sprayed champagne everywhere The players thanked the fans by having photos taken with them It was a really great celebration Alexis wished that his family and friends could have come from Chile to share his special day but they had all sent him good luck messages It was an incredible way to end the best season of his career so far Twenty-five goals and twelve assists was a new record for Alexis The big-money transfer from Barcelona had put a lot of pressure on him to perform He had worked really hard and the players and fans had made him feel so welcome Arsenal Football Club felt like home and he was already excited about challenging for more trophies next year League Alexis told Mesut as they posed for more photos He had come a long way from Tocopilla Let’s win the Premier League and the Champions 15 THE WONDER BOY

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