Alexis Sanchez is taking his turn as the latest heavy-hitter to cause us consternation.
Brought in by more than 91,000 Fantasy Premier League managers ahead of today’s trip to West Brom, the Chilean produced a typically superb goal for the Gunners that, ultimately, was to prove a mere consolation.
Interrupted by recent postponements, his first half strike in the 3-1 defeat means that Sanchez has now provided a goal or an assist in eight of his last nine Gameweeks – a record that ensures he remains the top scoring FPL asset.
An inevitable transfer target with Arsenal due to play another 11 matches over the remaining nine Gameweeks, today nonetheless provided further food for thought for those holding or considering a Sanchez acquisition.
His performance at The Hawthorns started so brightly – the goal punctuating a superb opening period of the game for Sanchez, full of endeavour and neat flicks.
If there were any concerns surrounding his performance levels dipping as a result of recent speculation surrounding his future at the club, they were dispelled in those opening 30 minutes
Then came the clattering challenge from West Brom’s James McClean, a tackle that delivered a blow to the ankle that perhaps should have seen Sanchez immediately withdrawn.
Instead, he played on until half-time to emerged for the second period.
Unable to impact on proceedings as the match slipped away from Arsenal, Sanchez was clearly affected by the injury, eventually giving way on 78 minutes.
A forlorn Arsene Wenger gave a brief verdict on the injury post-match, simply stating that Sanchez’ ankle “doesn’t look good”, later describing it as in “a terrible state”.
Due to depart with Chile for two World Cup qualifiers, including a vital clash with Argentina, we surely won’t have long to wait until we have a fuller prognosis, with Wenger insisting that if there is ligament damage, he will not travel.
But as we know, Sanchez is a player who refuses to bow to injuries. A factor behind his second-half appearance, his desire to play through pain will also doubtless govern the decision to depart to Chile.
Wenger and his Fantasy owners will then face a nervous wait for Sanchez’ return ahead of a Gameweek 30 clash with Manchester City.
But, there are also further concerns surrounding Arsenal’s form and confidence. On today’s evidence, Sanchez will need to carry Arsenal to victories over their remaining matches.
While this would seemingly guarantee him appearances, if fit, over the remaining 11 matches, we perhaps have to question whether his points output can be maintained.
With Sanchez subdued, the Gunners faded badly in the second period, created little and mustered just two efforts on target all match.
Even Sanchez, for all his incredible talent as a player and Fantasy asset, may struggle to go on producing in an Arsenal side so bereft of confidence and creativity.
Wenger’s press conference comments, promising an imminent end to the speculation surrounding his future of the club may now be key to a revival.
That will no doubt be the focus for the media over the international break, leaving us to monitor Sanchez’s fitness and assess whether the alarming Arsenal malaise can be lifted so that the season’s ultimate heavy-hitter can truly shine and deliver.
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