I am sure that it was as much of a relief as it was a joy for Alexis Sanchez to score for Arsenal against Liverpool today, it certainly looked that way from the way the Chile international celebrated. Not only did his superbly smashed goal seal the win for the Gunners by putting us 3-0 up at the break, but it ended the mini scoring drought that people in the football media had begun to bang on about.
Alexis has looked a little low on confidence in front of goal recently although it has not affected his all round game or made his head drop. Perhaps it was the words of our France international forward Olivier Giroud in the week that spurred his Arsenal team mate on, suggesting that he might be able to finish the season ahead of Alexis on Premier League goals.
That battle is well and truly on as Giroud also scored again to keep them level on 14 each. As well as having that personal honour to inspire him to keep banging them in for Arsenal, Alexis is also in with a decent shout of winning the Premier League player of the year award, especially if his latest hamstring injury keeps Diego Costa out of action.
A strong finish to the season in the league and FA cup would give him a great chance by providing a timely reminder of what an amazing impact the striker has had in his debut season. Will today’s goal be the first of many more between now and May?