How Alexis Sanchez proved his worth in Arsenal’s 2-0 victory against Hull

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Having not shown up against Chelsea, Alexis Sanchez had to put those wrongs right against Hull. The Chilean, currently stalling contract talks with Arsenal, had a hard week as critics questioned whether him and Mesut Ozil, who is also holding back his signature, were really worth it.

Arsene Wenger see’s both men as integral, yet having spent time on the sidelines due to a touchline ban, his two stars failed to come to his aid when the Gunners visited Chelsea. The Chilean only managed a rating of 6 in The Boot Room’s post-match review of the clash at Stamford Bridge.

It was set in stone that Alexis Sanchez needed to turn up against Hull to save both himself and Arsene Wenger from a barrage of negative criticism.

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With Wenger in the stands, Sanchez started up front with Walcott, Ozil, and Iwobi the attacking three behind him. It took only 38 minutes for the former Barcelona man to find the back of the net, albeit the goal was controversial.

Waiting in the box for the cross from the left, Sanchez pounced on Robertson’s block and stabbed the ball towards Jakupovic. The goalkeeper flicked it up onto Sanchez’s hand and the ball ricocheted into the back of the net.

The Chilean celebrated with the passion of someone who is staying at the Emirates, but with reported interest from Juventus, title winners in Italy last season, and Sanchez’s known desire to be a winner, a move to Italy certainly represents a viable option.

Teams from China have also come calling, but Sanchez seems a player that wants to maintain status at the highest level.

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Having scored in the first half, Sanchez and the rest of Arsenal’s attack were less efficient in the second half, but when Lucas Perez’s goal-bound header was blocked by Sam Clucas, who saw straight red, Sanchez stepped up and finished the tie.

Speculation surrounding Sanchez’s contract status at Arsenal will continue until a decision is made, but after stepping up at a time where the whole club needed a win, Sanchez has shown just how crucial he is for the Gunners.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Emrah Partal.