According to someone who was actually at the recent Arsenal training session, Alexis Sanchez is playing as a makeshift striker.

We already knew the Chilean was capable of playing up front but I don’t think anyone thought we’d actually ever resort to it considering how useful he is down the flank. However, in training, it appears that Arsene Wenger has been giving him a go as striker.

This is probably just for training purposes. We don’t know the inner workings of Wenger’s regimes and this could be an exercise in target practice for all we know. It’s unlikely that we’re actually going to completely scrap the idea of buying a new striker and stick Alexis there just because it’s cheaper.

Players generally do train in a couple of different positions. I remember Robin van Persie claiming that he’d trained as goalkeeper and he could do a pretty good job between the sticks if he was called upon. I think it’s just an insurance policy – no need to panic people.

What was interesting to hear is how much Granit Xhaka apparently screams in training. We need shouters – at least that’s what everyone always says – so it’s good that he feels comfortable enough to give instructions. At least, that’s what I’m assuming he’s screaming and not random words or song lyrics.