Why Alexis Sanchez needs to improve his performances against top six teams

Add as preferred source on Google

The biggest match this weekend is taking place at Anfield, as Liverpool host Arsenal. As we approach the end of the season, matches between top six sides become more important and this is certainly one that the Reds can’t afford to lose. They have a good record against the rest of the top six, but they continue to drop points against teams at the bottom of the league. In the first fixture between the two sides, Jurgen Klopp’s side ran riot in attack and ended the match 4-3 winners. They will be hoping for a similar result this weekend.

The one man that they have to watch out for is Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean is one of the outstanding candidates to be named PFA Player of the Year in May after having his best season in England to date. However, one part of his game that needs to improve is his impact in big matches. He has contributed 17 goals and eight assists in the league this season, which is more than any other player, but he has only scored once against the current top six.

Arsenal don’t have a great record in big matches and Sanchez’s personal form corresponds to that of the team. In six matches against the rest of the top six this season, the Gunners have won only once and they are going to have to improve that record if they want to be considered serious title challengers. This season looks to be a write off for the club as a top four finish is the best that they can realistically hope for. Their inability to challenge for major honours could force the likes of Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to look for a move away. Both of their contracts have less than 18-months to run and interest from other clubs is likely to intensify over the coming months.

Although Sanchez has done very well this season, he needs to have a good game on Saturday. It is important that he performs in matches such as these if he wants to be considered a world-class player. Arsenal have major tactical problems that are preventing them from challenging for league titles, but if they are to win matches against their top six rivals, they need the likes of Sanchez and Ozil to play well. They haven’t been and that is why they have only one win against a fellow top six side this season.

The Chilean has become more consistent during this campaign and he has grown into his role as a central striker. It will be interesting to see whether Arsene Wenger uses him there against Liverpool, or opts for Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman offers a different threat and it could be the right call to start him at Anfield, as the Gunners may not dominate possession. However, given the home side’s defensive frailties, the movement of Sanchez could be a better weapon to deploy. Jamie Vardy got a lot of joy against them on Monday and Arsenal’s leading scorer is a class above, therefore he needs to be considered the main threat on Saturday.

The title may be beyond Arsenal, but it is imperative that they finish in the top four. Although it may not be enough to convince Sanchez to sign a new contract, it is important to ensure the club doesn’t regress this summer. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the Emirates Stadium at the moment and failing to finish in the top four will only compound problems. Sanchez looks set to leave the club at the end of the season and if he wants to join one of Europe’s elite clubs, he needs to start dominating in big matches, starting this weekend.

Featured image: All rights reserved by Stuart MacFarlane