Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace: Wilfried Zaha mirrors Alexis Sanchez

Both Wilfried Zaha and Alexis Sanchez provided the attacking spark for their respective teams in Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace. With the Chilean likely to leave, could Zaha’s performance be significant for his future?

Arsenal had to work hard for their three points on Thursday night. Although they were in control for large sections of the 3-2 win over Crystal Palace, as the scoreline suggests, Roy Hodgson’s team did not lie down easily, pushing their visitors hard with a few nervy periods in the second half.

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In particular, it was Wilfried Zaha that caused the most problems. Playing on the left flank of the Palace attack, partnering Christian Benteke and Andros Townsend, Zaha showcased his searing pace as he scythed through the Arsenal defence, exploiting Calum Chambers’ unwillingness to commit to a challenge out wide and Hector Bellerin’s advanced position as a wing-back.

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Zaha provided the key moment of quality for Palace’s first goal, also, as he skipped by Chambers, drove towards the by-line and cut back a low cross that Townsend was the first to react to, slamming home a first-time effort past a stranded Petr Cech and static Arsenal defence. It was a well-worked goal that was indicative of the threat that Zaha posed.

Zaha was dispossessed four times. That is more than any Palace player. But, in contrast to the general perceptive, this may actually be a positive statistic. While it shows that he lost the ball at an alarming rate, it also provides a glimpse into the decisions that he was making when he received possession: to be direct.

And that is what Arsene Wenger must find when he has to try and replace Alexis Sanchez.

The greatest impact that the Chilean has on Arsenal’s overall attacking play is his ability to beat the opposing defender in one-on-one situations. Quick across the ground, with good technique when dribbling with the ball, Sanchez is often able to wriggle his way through and around challenges with great ease.

Because of this, he demands attention. Teams may try to send two or three defenders to close him down whenever he gets the ball due to the threat that he poses. In turn, that creates space for others, simply by being present. That is the effect that both Sanchez and Zaha have on their respective teams.

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Zaha sold himself well on Thursday night. Both he and Sanchez displayed the best of their talents. So when Sanchez does depart, whether it be in January or at the end of the season, in searching for a successor, Wenger should not overlook Zaha. He would be a very astute addition indeed.