Arsene Wenger made the huge decision to drop Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal’s starting line-up on Saturday evening, and the team succumbed to a devastating loss, but was he right to do so?
The Gunners lost 3-1 to Liverpool this weekend, seeing themselves drop out the top four, and huge criticism has come in for the Frenchman due to his selection, with the club’s two highest goalscorers of the term benched.
Arsenal have scored 55 league goals so far this season, with 25 of those coming from Theo Walcott or Alexis Sanchez, giving us a distinctly lower threat going forward, and following the result, the manager cited to insist the decision was purely tactical.
Of course this only moved to increase the pressure from fans, who are growing increasingly frustrated with Wenger, but reports have since revealed that his decision may not have been all that is seemed.
News has emerged stating that the Chilean forward had a huge altercation on the training field in the run up to the weekend’s match-up, and even stormed out of training early, reports which would not surprise anyone.
Alexis has shown his displeasure on the pitch on more than one occasion, arguing with fellow team-mates on the pitch, as well as venting his frustration at having been substituted on more than one occasion also.
This weekend’s benching will have been a huge blow to his relationship with the club, and the resuit will only have strengthened his contract stance also, and it seems near-certain that he will now refuse to extend his playing deal beyond the end of next season, which would most likely mean he will leave come the summer.
If the story is true about his attitude in training, and that he has refused to complete training this week, then Wenger is completely right in stamping his authority down in my opinion. No one person is bigger than the club, and regardless of the result, we must stand by the decision.
Whether you still believe in the Gunners boss or not, you have to agree that Arsenal is bigger than Sanchez, and no player should be allowed to show a lack of discipline or respect to our manager or team and not feel the repercussions.
Was Wenger right to drop Alexis? Do we think Sanchez could be professional and see out the season without issue before forcing his move? Or could he possibly decide to stay?
Pat J