SOUTHAMPTON, England - Arsene Wenger hailed Alexis Sanchez's unique qualities after the Chilean opened the scoring in Arsenal's 2-0 victory at Southampton and then created a second goal for substitute Olivier Giroud.

Wednesday's victory took Arsenal to within three points of the Premier League top four and keeps alive the possibility of a 20th successive season of Champions League football for the north London club.

Sanchez broke the deadlock in the 60th minute at St Mary's, gathering Mesut Ozil's pass and leaving two defenders sprawling before firing home his 20th goal of the league campaign.