Petr Cech’s words, Alexis Sanchez’s body language concede Arsenal’s hopes of catching Chelsea
By George Perry
Chelsea legend Petr Cech conceded the obvious: that Arsenal can only hope to qualify for the Champions League this season. His teammate, Alexis Sanchez, looks increasingly desperate for a transfer.
Liverpool and Arsenal extended their respective form against top-six teams, with the Reds rolling over the Gunners 3-1. Arsenal’s empty defending and non-existent offence fully exposed goalkeeper Petr Cech to a Jurgen Klopp side that thrives against top-of-the-table opposition.
Arsene Wenger made the inexplicable decision to start Alexis Sanchez on the bench. Sanchez is tied for a Premier League-leading 17 goals, one more than Chelsea’s Diego Costa. Wenger sent Sanchez on after half-time. Sanchez immediately improved Arsenal’s attacking threat, although that was a matter of going from zero to one.
Almost immediately after the final whistle, a frustrated and dejected Sanchez exited the pitch. A short time later, Petr Cech bluntly spoke a truth that even Arsenal Fans TV would have to accept.
"With three points we would have been in the chase for the title, but now we’re too far. We need to ensure that we finish as high as possible and in the top four. – Evening Standard"
Wenger admitted his plan’s failure, and complimented Sanchez as “a great player.” That will be little consolation to a forward whose plight at the Emirates is motivating protests in his home country of Chile.
Alexis Sanchez will almost certainly demand a transfer this summer. His dissatisfaction goes beyond his team’s struggles and recent form. He has become increasingly frustrated as he realizes that he is the only Arsenal player producing a full, competitive effort.
Even Arsene Wenger’s departure will not be enough to keep Sanchez at Arsenal. His teammates are the root of his ire more than his manager’s experimentation. Sanchez is visibly fed up at having to share a pitch with Olivier “celebrate with a scorpion kick” Giroud and Mesut “The Statue” Ozul.
Alexis Sanchez would be a strong replacement for Diego Costa at Chelsea. Sanchez’s relief at being surrounded by trophy-hungry players and a passionate coach like Antonio Conte would reinvigorate his own competitive drive. He would reunite with ex-Barcelona teammates Cesc Fabregas and Pedro, giving Chelsea more players who intuitively know how to play with their teammates.
At 28 years old, he would provide the experience necessary to partner with Tammy Abraham or Bertrand Traore. His size and style would also complement the experienced but still young Romelu Lukaku, if Chelsea moves for his return.
Next: Cesc Fabregas praises Antonio Conte's tactics and Chelsea system
By leaving Arsenal for Chelsea, Alexis Sanchez would solve both clubs’ problems with dissatisfied strikers. Arsenal will not want to sell their best player to a dreaded rival. But they definitely do not want Sanchez becoming the next Dimitri Payet. A new manager will likely clean house at the Emirates. Chelsea can be a good neighbour and help them out with that.