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Arsenal dropping Alexis Sanchez would show immense panic

By Rucker Haringey

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal is challenged by Jesse Lingard of Man Utd during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal is challenged by Jesse Lingard of Man Utd during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28, 2016 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is thinking of dropping star Alexis Sanchez for the Swansea match

Alexis Sanchez has been one of Arsenal’s best players throughout the course of this season. The fact that manager Arsene Wenger is even thinking of dropping him from the starting 11 shows the panic that’s set in at the Emirates.

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The Mirror reports that Wenger is strongly considering leaving the Chilean attacker on the bench for their side’s midweek match against Swansea. The attacking midfielder’s form has certainly dropped since his return from injury at the end of January.

It’s worth noting that despite his alleged dip in form, Alexis still checks in with the club’s third highest player rating on the season per Whoscored.com. Even at his “diminished” state, he still boasts a player rating of 7.5 in his 19 Premier League appearances. Many Premier League players would die to experience such a “dip” in form.

Alexis is most definitely the player that strikes the most fear in Arsenal opponents. His combination of speed, skill and trickery with the ball make him a nightmare for opposing defenders. He may be second on the team in goals (Olivier Giroud leads with 12), but he is the first name out of opposing manager’s mouths as they discuss how to defend against the North London club.

Without him on the pitch, the Arsenal attack suddenly looks very ordinary. Sure, Mesut Ozil is still out there to pull the strings, but he doesn’t have very many exciting options to serve as destinations for those crisp passes. The aforementioned Giroud can finish off chances, but the Gunners would be left short on wide players to provide him much service.

Wenger is showing real desperation if he’s even considering dropping Alexis moving forward. Even in his current slump he’s still a much better option than anyone who might take his place. Forgive me if the insertion of Joel Campbell into the starting 11 doesn’t inspire me with a great deal of confidence.

The likely truth is that Wenger is just looking to give Alexis a rest given the run of games the club has this month. They still have a North London Derby to look forward to on the weekend where the stakes couldn’t be any higher. Add that on top of the mountain the Gunners have to climb in their Champions League return leg at Barcelona and you can certainly see a need for rest.

Related Story: 5 reasons Arsenal can win the Premier League title

If Wenger is truly thinking of dropping Alexis due to his form, then it’s a stark illustration of the panic that has set in for the Gunners. That sort of desperation could lead to Arsenal tumbling right out of the Premier League title race.

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