Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace: Sanchez To End Giroud Argument

There is debate centred on whether Alexis Sanchez or Olivier Giroud should start as Arsenal’s central striker. Against Palace, Sanchez will end the argument.

There is a revolution brewing at Arsenal this season. Arsene Wenger is changing his approach rather significantly, perhaps more than any alteration he has made since he experimented with a ghastly 4-1-4-1 system when Mesut Ozil first joined the side.

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In that formation, Ozil was shifted out to the left-hand side, with Mikel Arteta the only holding player. It was not successful and eventually Wenger realised his mistake and reverted back to a 4-2-3-1 system which prioritised the centralising of Ozil, maximising his wonderfully creative talents.

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Whatever system Wenger has played, since changing to a lone striker approach, he has always preferred someone who enjoys playing with their back to goal, whether through an exquisite first touch, great spacial awareness or simply sheer power. Since the departure of Robin Van Persie in 2012, that role has fallen on Olivier Giroud, someone who possesses many of the physical, technical and mental traits necessary to excel in such a role.

However, after Giroud was given extended leave in the summer due to his international exertions with the French national side at the European Championships in the summer, Wenger turned to an unlikely source. Rather than plug and play Chuba Akpom, Theo Walcott or even invest in another option, Wenger turned to winger Alexis Sanchez, performing another one of his position-developing miracles.

Sanchez has been sensational this season, embracing his new role. Sitting on 12 Premier League goals, a further six assists and providing an invigoration and intensity, both in and out of possession, the Chilean is leading a revolution of style, a revolution that Wenger is seemingly embracing. At least, that was until Boxing Day.

In the 1-0 win over West Brom, Wenger reinstated Giroud, shifting Sanchez back to the left-hand side. Giroud ultimately scored the all-important goal of the game, securing the three points for the Gunners. However, the side lacked the same verve and vibrancy that Sanchez instigates when starting.

On New Year’s Day, Arsenal host Crystal Palace. In a game that will likely have a similar pattern to the win over West Brom, if Sanchez indeed starts as the central striker, he has the chance to complete the revolution. Play well and lead the side to an emphatic victory and Giroud’s reign may soon be coming to an end.