Will Arsenal Alexis Sanchez be revitalised by Copa America glory with Chile?

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After a first Copa America crown in Chile’s history last summer, they headed into Sunday’s final with the chance to make it back-to-back titles. As they did in 2015, they defeated Argentina on penalties at the MetLife Stadium to be kings of the Americas. Lionel Messi was in tears of despair as he announced his retirement from International football after the game, whilst an Arsenal winger was picking up the Golden Ball.

Alexis Sanchez was decided as Player of the Tournament after three goals and two assists in six games in the States as he spearheaded Chile’s retention of the Copa. Sanchez had a mixed campaign with Arsenal in the run-up to his international commitments, with injury and Arsenal’s inconsistency factors in a second season that didn’t match up with the first.

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A sumptuous double against Panama in the group stage; including a world class volley into the top corner, lit a flame in La Roja as they went onto thrash Mexico 7-0 and sail past Colombia. They completed consecutive shoot-out victories over Argentina with Lucas Biglia joining Messi in missing spot kicks, covering for Arturo Vidal’s slip-up.

Only Alexis’ compatriot Eduardo Vargas and Gonzalo Higuain scored more, and although it didn’t end with a ‘panenka’ winning penalty from the Arsenal ace, his role in the side was not forgotten. He is the catalyst in this organised and ferocious Chilean squad, but can he rekindle that inspiration and talent at club level?

Sanchez was dynamite in his debut campaign in North London, and while last season did not go to plan, he can return better than ever after national glory and be Arsenal’s leader in a bid for a first Premier League title in 13 years.

25 goals and 12 assists in the 2014/15 campaign compared to 17 goals and 11 assists in a greater number of matches last campaign show the drop in form.  Mesut Özil was Arsenal’s shining light last term with Sanchez mesmerising in spurts, particularly in scoring two against Manchester United and a hat-trick at league champions Leicester.

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Yet, Granit Xhaka’s arrival is a statement of intent from Arsene Wenger, with a year left on his contract he may be looking to go out on a high, so a few more additions could take Arsenal nearer their goal.  This will not only improve their team, but the standard of service providing Sanchez and vice versa.

Alongside Özil, Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud, he has flourished in England, but with a world-class striker to
offer a different option to the Frenchman, it could turn Arsenal from contenders into champions, and Sanchez will be integral to that. A forward as strong, pacey and lethal as Alexandre Lacazette, Romelu Lukaku or Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be the ideal man to feed off the supply of Sanchez, Özil and co.

With better players around him, it could be the kick that Alexis needs to improve his game and prove he is Arsenal’s top Gunner. The aggression, skill and drive he brings to The Emirates is infectious, as seen in the Chile team, with every single player embodying the same mentality as Arsenal’s South American. If more of the Gunners’ side can play with the same intensity and passion he shows week in week out, and Sanchez avoids another lengthy injury lay-off, Arsenal can propel themselves to the Premier League title.

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Do not be surprised to see Sanchez be the star of North London once more, and boy, how Arsenal need him with rivals re-emerging.  Jose Mourinho’s take-over at Manchester United will bring back a heavyweight in English football with new recruits a plenty to come. Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte will bring new life to City and Chelsea whilst Jurgen Klopp has a full season ahead at Anfield.  However, Arsene Wenger and Arsenal know with improvements in attack and defence, a consistent run of performances and a clinical edge, Sanchez and Arsenal can take the league by storm.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Emrah Partal