Sanchez double ensures Wenger can enjoy landmark night

Roy Hodgson has changed the team's fortunes since his arrival and Palace fans will be hoping that they can continue with their recent performances to ensure they stay in the Premier League next season.

The result leaves Arsene Wenger's men sixth in the league but level on points with fifth-placed Spurs and only a point behind Liverpool in the fourth Champions League spot.

Speaking after Sanchez scored twice in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Crystal Palace on Thursday night, Wenger said: "I am not fearful but as you said that will be a subject that arises because of his contractual situation".

Sanchez's brace - the second a beauty from Jack Wilshere's superb pass - added to Shkodran Mustafi's first ever away goal for the Gunners was just enough to get them past the Eagles in Wenger's 810th Premier League game as a manager.

Palace had been undefeated in eight and, though they next host Manchester City, by often resisting their visitors and going level with Andros Townsend's goal, again demonstrated they can survive.

Alexandre Lacazette forced Julian Speroni into a save from a tight angle on the right side of the area and Mustafi coolly slotted in the rebound.

Tomkins showed them how it was done, heading Townsend's corner in late on to force a nervy finish for the Gunners, who held on to inflict a first defeat on Palace since Tottenham beat them on November 5. Palace remains one point off the drop zone. Gifted space on the left wing four minutes into the second half, Wilfried Zaha used his footwork to cross towards Townsend, who under little pressure finished first-time into the bottom left corner beyond the diving Petr Cech.