Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace: This is why Alexis Sanchez should not be sold

Alexis Sanchez was the difference in Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace on Thursday night. He proved why he should not be sold this January.

The future of Alexis Sanchez is a complicated beast. There is little clarity and much ambiguity. Arsene Wenger himself, after the 3-2 win over Crystal Palace, said that no one actually knows what will happen regarding the Chilean’s future. And there is a great debate regarding what Arsenal should do with their star attacker.

Catch the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast here

Some were happy to see the Gunners defy Manchester City and keep hold of him in the summer. It was, given their financial motivations, a somewhat surprising decision. Others were less pleased, wanting the club to embrace the change and progression that his departure would usher in.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 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
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

And even now, a few short months later with another transfer window on the horizon, there is still a wide range of opinions over whether Arsenal should stick and twist with Sanchez. Given that his contract has done nothing but wind down in the meantime, his price has only dwindled. The reported fee is in the £30 million range. That, I feel, would be a very good sale given that any potential buyer could wait until the end of the season and sign him for nothing.

But on Thursday night, I cannot help but be reminded of what he offers this team. The attacking influence that he has, from his speed of movement off the ball to his directness and purposefulness on the ball, is unique. There are few players that can replicate the same threat that Sanchez poses.

Take Sanchez’s goal, for example. Firstly, the intelligence to time his run, synchronising it with Jack Wilshere who was standing over the ball in the middle of the pitch. Then, the subtlety of his touch to bring the ball under his spell, perfectly positioned ahead of his path, angled away from the defender. And finally, the calmness to simply prod his shot past the onrushing Julian Speroni. It was a wonderful goal, indicative of his talent.

And for much of the game, Sanchez was Arsenal’s most prominent threat. He completed more dribbles than any other player, created more chances than any other player, excluding Mesut Ozil, and scored the two winning goals that earned the Gunners the three points. He proved why he is needed.

Next: Arsenal Vs Palace: Player ratings

Arsenal, in their pursuit of a top-four position, need Alexis Sanchez. They cannot survive without him, even the lesser version that has been present for much of the year. And that is why they cannot sell him. They need him.