Alexis Sanchez is yet to find the back of the net this season, and doesn’t look like coming close to matching his impressive goals tally from his first campaign. Arsene Wenger has taken responsibility for the Chilean’s worrying dip in form, and attributes it to his lack of fitness, as reported by the Daily Star.
The former Barcelona star has looked his usual industrious self every time he’s been on the pitch, but his end product has been seriously lacking. He has squandered multiple good chances to open his account, and has missed opportunities you would have bet your house on him scoring last season.
The closest he’s come is against Crystal Palace, when his headed effort was deflected into the goal by a defender – an own goal the end result.
Wenger admitted to playing Alexis too early after his action packed summer with Chile, and claims he’s not quite fully fit. He also stressed that the 26-year-old’s Copa America victory with the national team means it could take him time to get back into the swing of things with Arsenal.
“I think I played him very early before he was completely fit, physically. That is one explanation,” Wenger is quoted as saying.
“The second factor is that every player who has won a big trophy with the national team takes some while to settle and come back to his best. These are the two main explanations for me.
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“Physically he is not completely ready, coming out of a big achievement and that takes time.
“I think he has had 31 shots on goal since the start of the season and with his finishing qualities that should allow him five to six goals.
“Knowing that the finishing is a bit linked with your form and it is a bit cyclic as well, that is where he should be at the moment. That will come back.
“I don’t worry for Alexis Sanchez. Even when he doesn’t score he is still a major threat for everybody and I am confident he will score very soon.”
Alexis was a huge part of our success last season, and had a hugely impressive debut season. We can’t expect him to be at his best at all times, but hopefully he shakes off whatever it is that’s keeping him from hitting his peak.
Wenger relies on goals being spread around the team rather than one player scoring the majority, but Alexis’ goals will still be vital this season.
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We have one of the best squads we’ve had in years, and if we can get the team firing on all cylinders then we have a fantastic chance of silverware.
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