Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez Has Been Worth Every Penny

Alexis Sanchez once again outshined everyone else on the pitch during Saturday’s 2-0 victory away to Sunderland last Saturday. While both of Arsenal’s goals were aided by defensive errors by the Black Cats, Alexis should receive credit for putting pressure on the opposing team and capitalizing with two cool, composed finishes into the back of the net.

The brace for Alexis now brings his total amount of goals scored this season in an Arsenal jersey to eight (15 total matches), while also adding three assists. The Chilean’s five Premier League goals are enough for sixth best in the league.

Following the win over Sunderland, Gunner Mathieu Flamini gave reporters his thoughts on where Alexis stands alongside two previous standout Arsenal players. The midfielder stated, “From what we have seen so far of him, he is right up there (with Thierry Henry and Robin van Persie). He is proving it in every game he plays, not just with his goals but the way he works for the team.”

Flamini added, “(Alexis) is a breath of fresh air to play with. He gives so much for the team and not just in an attacking sense. I didn’t realize he works so hard off the ball. Not just creating space for others but helping out defensively. He is a top player and has already made a big difference.”

One of Alexis’s other teammates, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, also gave the Chilean international high praise. Chamberlain told the team’s official website, “He’s a world-class player – everyone saw that at the World Cup. He’s proved that and he’s played for Barcelona where we’ve all seen what he’s done.”

The young England international also went on to compare Alexis with former Liverpool superstar (and Alexis’s Barcelona replacement) Luis Suarez. Chamberlain said, “He reminds me of Luis Suarez when he chases everything down and he makes nothing into something. He’s done that for us twice (during Arsenal’s 2-0 win on Saturday) and he’s scored goals at important times for us.”

While not many people are blaming Barcelona for offloading Alexis to fund the Suarez transfer, the 25-year-old’s transfer fee reportedly in the £30-£35 million region appears to be another solid buy from Arsene Wenger and Arsenal. Thierry Henry (£11 million), Robin van Persie (£2.75 million), Cesc Fabregas (£2.5 million), and Freddy Ljungberg (£3 million) are all examples of good business deals done by Wenger during his tenure with Arsenal.

Although the Gunners are not firing on all cylinders just yet, the north London club would most likely be in the middle of a dreadful season if not for the outstanding play of the Chilean forward. Alexis essentially single-handedly won the match for Arsenal over Sunderland, and has also been involved in five eventual game-tying or game-winning goals so far this season with the Gunners. With the injured Theo Walcott set to return from injury soon, a blistering front line of Alexis, Walcott, and Danny Welbeck would surely give Arsenal a boost heading forward.