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Arsenal drama: Discover why Arsene Wenger dropped Alexis Sanchez

By Rucker Haringey

SUTTON, GREATER LONDON - FEBRUARY 20: Arsene Wenger, manager of Arsenal watches as Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal prepares to replace Alex Iwobi of Arsenal during the Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Sutton United and Arsenal on February 20, 2017 in Sutton, Greater London. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SUTTON, GREATER LONDON - FEBRUARY 20: Arsene Wenger, manager of Arsenal watches as Alexis Sanchez of Arsenal prepares to replace Alex Iwobi of Arsenal during the Emirates FA Cup fifth round match between Sutton United and Arsenal on February 20, 2017 in Sutton, Greater London. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal paid for Wenger’s call with a crushing defeat

It’s fair to say that the football world was shocked everyone learned of Arsene Wenger’s decision to leave Alexis Sanchez on the bench for Arsenal’s massive match against Liverpool yesterday. The Gunners squad paid for the decision with a bitter 3-1 defeat. In the aftermath of the match, everyone is asking why Wenger made the shocking decision.

When you take a moment to think about it, it’s fairly obvious why Wenger made the surprising call. Assuming that Alexis wasn’t carrying any sort of injury, it had to be an effort to send a message by the Arsenal boss.

It wasn’t just a message in one direction though. Wenger managed to fire a shot across the bow at both the club’s ownership and his most talented player with one bold decision. I suppose you have to give Wenger credit for his efficiency.

Firstly, he was sending a message to Alexis that he isn’t above the law at Arsenal. Wenger has had minor issues with his Chilean star all year-long. Whether it’s been Alexis’ decision to take penalty kicks out of turn or his poor body language on the pitch, he’s drawn his manager’s ire. Leaving him on the bench for a huge match definitely was a move designed to let Alexis know that Wenger is still his boss.

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The second, and more interesting message, is the one that Wenger sent to his club’s ownership. Heading to Anfield without Alexis or Mesut Ozil (who missed out due to illness) was an obvious allusion to how the club could look next year. The French gaffer has clearly grown tired of the never-ending contract negotiations with his most talented duo.

You have to imagine that Arsenal owners watching the match had to receive that message loud and clear. When you take Alexis and Ozil out of the starting XI, the Gunners lineup certainly looks much more pedestrian. Their failure to really challenge Liverpool in the match only hammered the point home more emphatically.

Next: Arsenal lining up Alexis replacement

Arsene Wenger may not be Arsenal’s manager next season, but he is going to finish this campaign as the unquestioned boss of the squad. His decision to leave Alexis out of yesterday’s starting XI sent a clear message to both his Chilean talisman and his bosses in the board room.

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