Arsenal

Arsene Wenger: 'Alexis Sanchez will fight Eden Hazard'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 23 April 2015

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger expects a minimal gap between Alexis Sanchez and Chelsea's Eden Hazard in the race for PFA Player of the Year.

Arsene Wenger is expecting Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez to push Chelsea's Eden Hazard close for the PFA Player of the Year award this season.

Sanchez has lit up North London following a £35m summer switch from Barcelona, netting 22 times in all competitions as the Gunners' stand-out performer so far.

However, the Belgian remains favourite for the individual gong after helping the Blues to the brink of Premier League glory, having also helped secure a Capital One Cup title.

"Alexis had a big impact and let's not forget that for Hazard it is not the first season, but for Alexis it is," he told reporters. "He will give him a fight and if Alexis doesn't make it this year, he will give him a fight as well for next season.

"I think everybody would agree that Hazard has had a great season and one of the aspects of Sunday's game will be to keep him quiet.

"He has found maturity that he did not have before. I believe his final ball is better, his personality on the pitch is stronger, the finishing aspect of his game is much better than before."

The Chilean netted both goals as Arsenal beat Reading 2-1 in extra time to book an FA Cup final place last Saturday.

David de Gea, Diego Costa, Philippe Coutinho and Harry Kane complete the nominations.