The 2012/13 season was perhaps Arsene Wenger’s most challenging one as Arsenal were out of the title race from almost the beginning. There were essentially no world class players present, with the departure of Robin Van Persie, and no adequate replacement. Arsenal were mediocre for much of the season, still managing to progress to the Champions League Round of 16, although being outclassed in the first leg, shocked the world by beating the eventual tournament winners in Munich. With Tottenham being carried by future galactico Gareth Bale, this looked like the first time Arsenal would not qualify for the Champions League during the Wenger era. But in the bleakest of times, Wenger’s boys got the job done. It was clear Arsenal needed to spend on pure quality and in the 2013/14 season, Wenger did just that by signing Mesut Özil. His signing catapulted Arsenal into the title race and they were top of the league till mid February.
The long-term injuries to the teams player of the season Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott and to Mesut Özil himself shattered Arsenal’s chances especially during a packed schedule with high profile games week after week. Only non-Arsenal supporters would dismiss the impact of such injuries to quality first team players in a title challenge. If Mesut Özil, a visionary and pace changer, could propel every other Arsenal player to perform at the standard they did in the first half of the season and in the last 6 games, imagine what a game changing, pacey dribbler like Alexis Sanchez will do for an already talented side. Mesut Ozil helped Arsenal win their first trophy in 8 seasons, can Alexis Sanchez contribute in winning an even bigger trophy?
Arsenal have been missing a ‘something out of nothing’ player for a number seasons. Anyone who watched Chile in the World Cup will have noticed that Sanchez loves being the go to guy. He was the team’s best player, starting most attacks and delivering a goal when needed. The difference between Sanchez at Barcelona and at Arsenal will be exactly that. At Barcelona, Messi is the main man and everything goes through him and the fact that Sanchez was second in goals and assists proves the quality the Chilean brings to one of the greatest sides in the world. At Arsenal, he will be the stand out attacker and I can guarantee this will bring out the best in him. Not only will he offer plenty of goals, but will be a creative genius in a side with Walcott, Giroud, Ramsey and Cazorla.
Mesut Özil was heavily marked in almost every game due to his star presence and quality. This allowed players like Ramsey to use the free space on the pitch to their advantage. Now that a more talented dribbler is at the club, the opposition will have to keep their eyes open for every player. If Özil is marked, Ramsey and Sanchez will roam around with more freedom. If Sanchez is marked, Özil will have more time on the ball to find the killer pass. Let’s not forget the eminence Theo Walcott provides with his unmatched speed and cool finishing ability. Being the prominently attacking side Arsenal is famous for being, many teams in the Premier League sit back against them. Players like Sanchez are masters at scoring and creating chances in the tightest of defences. Arsenal were only goalless 7 times in the season, twice against Chelsea and Manchester United, once against Stoke City and Everton. It’s safe to say Arsenal lacked attacking prowess in the big games, seeming to be stagnant and afraid. It’s one thing to play a high line in big games, it’s another to have no clue what to do when moving forward.
The signing of Sanchez should bring a big game player mentality to the side. He himself scored an amazing chip in the biggest game in La Liga against Real Madrid. Arsenal always seem scared and lost during the high profile matches, but a player like Sanchez plays with no fear and is the gem which could help Arsenal shine on the biggest stage. Arsenal seemed to outclass every team below 5th position, but became a totally different side against the top 5. My prediction is that with Sanchez in the side, Arsenal will only finish a match goalless once or twice. If every first team player can avoid long-term injuries and a solid defensive midfielder is signed, Alexis Sanchez will be the most important cog in the wheel pushing Arsenal to challenge on all fronts. He can start and end every attack, and has the ability to score goals on his lonesome. Many teams have had the one stand out player who won games on their own. Arsenal can achieve great things with stand out stars in every position.