Arsenal: London Stress Making Alexis Sanchez Stronger

Arsenal’s Chilean sparkplug Alexis Sanchez has admitted that life in London is stressful, but could that actually be helping him grow stronger?

Few have ever doubted the credentials of Alexis Sanchez. Even in his youth, it was clear that between his natural talent and his work ethic, this was just a special player. However, at Arsenal, he has gone from just a special player to a world class, game-changing front man.

Related: Wenger’s Worst Signings Ever

Most of that can be attributed to being given so much responsibility at a top club. Pair that with the intelligence of Arsene Wenger and the general learning environment at the Emirates and it makes sense why Alexis is getting better, almost to the level where he is “the next Henry” (if he stays).

As such, hearing the Chilean come out and admit that life in London is stressful may seem a bit out of whack, given his success in London, but I can’t help but think that this stressful London life is actually making him better. For a couple of reasons.

“I do explore the city if I have the time for it but normally I would rather stay relaxed at home. London can be a stressful place because it’s crowded and it’s a big city,” he said, via the Mirror.

By that standard, couldn’t it be logicized (my new word) that Alexis uses his time on the pitch as an escape? He mentioned that he enjoyed being home, but being on the pitch, free from the crowd, he is truly able to express himself in the best way he knows how – footballing.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Many people used football as an escape from a less-than-desirable life and Alexis was one, using his abilities to work his way up in the footballing world, all to provide for his mother back home. That ‘football as an escape’ is still happening for Alexis in London. It’s his way out of the stressful city, his canvas, if you will.

Not only that, but as a man of confidence, knowing that the crowds of London are all focused on him when he takes that pitch has to inspire him as well. These crowds that he avoids are all packed into the Emirates and he is the center of attention.

That has to be an exhilarating feeling. That is, until you have to go back onto the streets on Tuesday after a 2-1 loss to Manchester City.

Next: Arsenal's 30 Greatest Players Ever

But I digress…