Alexis Sanchez doubled down on his message of hope to fans today after he scored in Arsenal's 4-1 thrashing of Stoke City. After hooking up with Mesut Özil in the first half to provide an assist, Sanchez scored easily himself in the second half before asking to be subbed off due to a thigh injury. But not before celebrating his goal with this cryptic message for fans:
The race for he third and fourth places in the Premier League has been more exciting to watch than the race for first and second places this season. Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal fans alike watch nervously each weekend in hopes that their team takes home three points. Today, Arsenal traveled to St Mary's Stadium to face Southampton and earned a crucial three points.
Alexis Sanchez proved to everyone why he is one of the best forwards in the world. Mesut Ozil threaded a perfect pass, but Sanchez had no space to work with. After four touches, two Southampton players were on the ground and Alexis had opened up a clear cut chance and made no mistake of the finish.
Arsenal were leading Leicester City 1-0 courtesy of a garbage can own goal when Alexis Sanchez decided to waste time by faking his own death. He did not do a very good job of that.
That is embarrassing pic.twitter.com/LJP2BmjSI7
— ㅤ (@TacticalAC) April 26, 2017
Before Arsenal vs. Middlesbrough, Arsene Wenger announced a formation change, which proved to be effective. Wenger chose to use a 3-4-3 formation, letting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain roam to an offensive position while playing right wing-back to try to create going forward.
In previous matches, Arsenal players have been jogging back into their final third while defending, but this was far from the case in this match. Arsenal finally showed signs of life, holding the ball the majority of the game.
Arsenal finally reminded everyone the depth within the squad that has been overshadowed by recent poor performances. A string of single-touch passes were connected with perfection to set up Mesut Ozil for the finish.
Mesut Ozil dedicated his goal to Erdogan pic.twitter.com/NiuAUXL4rv
— ㅤ (@Pepcatalonya) April 17, 2017
The Gunners were the first to strike in their match against Middlesbrough at Riverside Stadium. Frantic defending by Middlesbrough led to a clumsy challenge on the top of the box on Granit Xhaka by Adam Clayton. To any goalkeeper in the world, fear sinks in when the likes of Ozil and Sanchez are both standing over the ball for a free kick. Alexis Sanchez took initiative and placed the ball perfectly up and over the wall into the net.