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Arsenal fans are wrong to blame Alexis Sanchez for club’s problems

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal in action during the Emirates FA Cup sixth round match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on March 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal in action during the Emirates FA Cup sixth round match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on March 13, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal fans blaming Alexis Sanchez are just looking for a scapegoat

Arsenal fans have every right to be upset as to the way this season has unfolded for their club. They are wrong, however, to lay the blame at the feet of star attacker Alexis Sanchez.

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The truth is that Alexis has experienced a modest dip of form as of late for the Gunners. His play has not, as many Arsenal fans seem to believe, regressed horribly. Suggestions that manager Arsene Wenger should bench Alexis are absolutely ridiculous.

Squawka.com ran an excellent piece on the frustration of Arsenal fans with the Chilean playmaker that boggled my mind. The fact that so many passionate Gunner fans believe the club’s dip in form is all down to Alexis is shocking.

Fans were quick to jump on Alexis’ lack of contribution in yesterday’s FA Cup loss to Watford, but he was nowhere near the club’s worst offender. Perhaps Arsenal fans who criticized Alexis in the aftermath of the loss to the Hornets forgot about the pitiful performances of Olivier Giroud and Joel Campbell.

Both players were significantly worse than Alexis over the course of the match. Whoscored.com rated his performance with a score of 7.8 on the match which is well above average. Compare that to Giroud’s mark of 6.5 and Campbell’s pitiful 6.1 and it’s clear who was at fault for Arsenal’s failing attack. Alexis might not have been at his best, but he doesn’t have to be to score among Arsenal’s best players.

A closer look at Alexis’ statistics as of late throws additional doubt on those who blame him for Arsenal’s poor play. Over the last five matches, he’s only posted a rating of below 7 one time. He has the same number of performances in that time period with a rating above 8.

The statistical evidence clearly shows that Alexis has continued to play at an above average rate for a Premier League attacker. He may not be playing up to his own lofty standards, but he’s still a plus on the pitch for Arsene Wenger. Benching him would only add to the malaise of the Gunner attack.

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Instead of pointing the blame at Alexis, Arsenal fans should consider pointing their collective fingers at Arsene Wenger and the rest of the club’s higher-ups. The club had a golden opportunity to go for the Premier League title this season and largely stood still in the January transfer window. With all due respect to Mohamed Elneny, they failed to make an impact purchase that could have pushed their squad over the top.

In particular, Wenger failed to add a striker who could create chances on his own. Giroud does a reasonable job converting opportunities that the likes of Mesut Ozil and Alexis create for him, but he’s useless without good service. He definitely isn’t the type of striker you need if you’re going to make a historic run towards a Premier League title.

Of course Arsenal could have spent money to strengthen their defense as well. They’ve been hammered by injuries in the defensive midfield and yet the only added Elneny. They certainly could have stood to add a world-class pivot player in January.

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Arsenal fans who are piling on Alexis Sanchez as the source of the club’s poor play as of late are just desperate for a scapegoat. The cold truth is that Arsene Wenger and the club’s higher-ups are to blame for Arsenal’s missed opportunity.

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