Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard says Arsenal dressing room was ‘toxic’ with Alexis Sanchez there
Chilean star caused a ruckus in the Gunners camp before his move to Manchester United according to former Reds captain
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STEVEN GERRARD claims Alexis Sanchez created a "toxic" atmosphere at Arsenal before his Manchester United switch.
The Chilean made the move north in a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who came the other way to London.
Sanchez became visibly frustrated during his last few months in an Arsenal shirt, constantly throwing his arms in the air on the pitch and berating his teammates.
He had originally wanted to leave to Manchester City in the summer transfer window, but the north London club couldn't find a replacement in time.
That substitute finally came in the form of club-record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a fee of £56million.
During BT Sport's coverage of Arsenal's 5-1 demolition of Everton yesterday, Gerrard was convinced Alexis' behaviour unsettled the Gunners.
He said: "It seemed from the outside it was toxic in the changing room. Sanchez going creates a clean slate."
The former Borussia Dortmund hitman - who scored 31 league goals last season - made a lightning start to his Arsenal career, scoring on his debut against Everton yesterday.
Gerrard said: "It's been hanging over the club. The Arsenal fans realise now they have a top quality centre-forward."
The Gunners wrapped up some thrifty business in January - selling Francis Coquelin, Olivier Giroud and Theo Walcott and securing the future of Mesut Ozil for another three-and-a-half years.
Alexis grabbed his first goal for the Red Devils in their 2-0 victory over Huddersfield at the John Smith's Stadium yesterday.
His penalty was saved by goalkeeper Jonas Lossl but ball rebounded straight back to the Chilean to get off the mark for United.
