Football: Alexis Sanchez double lifts Arsenal over West Bromwich and into third place

Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez (right) and West Bromwich's James Chester vie for the ball during Thursday's Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium in London. PHOTO: EPA

LONDON (REUTERS) - A resurgent Alexis Sanchez scored twice against West Bromwich Albion to lift Arsenal above Manchester City into third place in the Premier League on Thursday.

The Chilean took his tally to five goals in four games with a brace before halftime to lighten the mood at The Emirates where Arsenal were booed off last weekend after a disappointing draw with Crystal Palace.

Sanchez turned sharply to shoot past West Brom keeper Ben Foster after six minutes and struck again with a free kick shortly before halftime to put the hosts in control.

Gareth McAuley did send a header against the crossbar in the first half for the visitors but Arsenal were relatively untroubled as they bolstered their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

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