Tony Cascarino has praised Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil for not “downing tools”, after failing to secure moves away from Arsenal in the summer.

While talk of Mesut Ozil leaving the club was more quiet in the summer, it seemed obvious that Alexis Sanchez really wanted to leave, in my opinion.

He came very close to doing so on the final day of the transfer window, only for Arsenal to pull out of a deal with Manchester City in the closing hours.

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Alexis Sanchez, for Arsenal. Picture: IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images

Alexis hasn’t been at his best since then, but he and Ozil have shown they are still prepared to give everything for Arsenal this season. That attitude has been praised by Tony Cascarino, who believes they’re both playing well at the moment.

“Ozil and Sanchez had their heads turned in the summer,” he said, reports the Daily Star. “Everyone questioned their heart, but they have tried as hard as possible for their club recently. I applaud them for not downing tools. Ozil and Sanchez have been great for Arsenal.”

Some might disagree that Alexis and Ozil are giving their all, however. Many have questioned their performances when Arsenal haven’t won or played well. The duo performed excellently throughout November, with the 2-0 win over Tottenham being the highlight. Alexis and Ozil have scored and created 15 goals between them this season.

Their showing against Spurs proved they’re willing to fight for the cause, even if they don’t want to be playing for Arsenal next season. With the January transfer window on the horizon, their attitude will come under even greater scrutiny.