Arsenal: Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain challenging Alexis Sanchez

There is no debating that there is a bit of a heroic void at Arsenal with Alexis Sanchez missing, but two men are stepping up to fill that void before the Chilean can even return to the team.

It wasn’t all that long ago that I happily watched as Aaron Ramsey did everything I expected of Alexis Sanchez. All preseason long, we’ve been seeing the same thing from the Welshman. He is creating for himself, popping out fresh ideas and constantly challenging the defense to stop him. And in return, Arsenal has received the same kind of stuff they would receive from the Chilean.

There was this huge void of heroism without Alexis Sanchez. Or at least there was supposed to be. And by heroism, I mean one individual who can turn the tides by himself. Alexis was the only guy who seemed capable of doing that last year.

This preseason, and going back into the end of last season and the FA Cup final, it has been a different story. Both Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have stepped up to show that, in a pinch, they can do exactly what Alexis is renowned for doing.

They can make defenses look silly. They can force the issue. They can create an unmissable opportunity for a team mate, or create that unmissable opportunity for themselves to take.

So while Alexis sits at home with the flu and a pouty face, I’m not bothered. Because come the start of the Premier League season, I’m not going to be waiting for Alexis to save the team like he always used to.

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We won’t need moments of individual inspiration quite like we have needed them in the past and that’s all because now, those moments can come from more than just him.

This is a good thing, this challenge that they seem to be issuing to Alexis to be the top dog here. As I always say, the more competition you can bring, the better everyone gets. And you know how competitive Alexis is.

If he feels that he is being outdone by Ramsey or the Ox, everyone benefits. Alexis has to step up and, in turn, his two challengers will have to step up too.

Even Danny Welbeck should be thrown into the mix, as he has shown tremendous ability in that attacking midfield position to make the defense uncomfortable. And that is step one on the path to being that game-changer.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Sevilla

Watch out Alexis, and I mean that. He is already seeing his reign challenged.

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