Alexis Sanchez Carries Arsenal to Win over Sunderland

If Arsenal aren’t careful, they could soon have another injury on their hands. Alexis Sanchez’s back must be in danger of breaking under the strain of carrying this team.

At the Stadium of Light, Sanchez was the difference between Arsenal drawing and winning the game. His two goals owed plenty to huge mistakes from Wes Brown and Vito Mannone, but they also showed off the attributes that have enabled Alexis to adapt quickly to the Premier League.  

With hard work, you can make your own luck. Alexis capitalised on the errors from Brown and Mannone, but only because he had put in the work to charge the opposition.

Alexis has the perfect pairing of tenacity and technique. He forces defenders into mistakes, then has the requisite composure to punish them. It’s a combination that has made him an instant hit in English football. 

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Arsene Wenger explained to Arsenal.com after the match:

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He took advantage of the mistakes they made but he’s also got a super quality—he’s quickly on your feet which is why he wins many balls that normal players don’t. He’s very quick in transition from offence to defence and wins the ball back very quickly. We can take advantage of that.

"

Arsenal have endured a difficult start to the season. However, without Alexis in their ranks, it would undoubtedly be far worse.

Sanchez’s brace against Sunderland has taken his tally to eight goals in his first 15 Arsenal appearances. Many of those strikes have been vital. He has scored crucial goals against Besiktas, Manchester City and the Mackems.

He’s a creator, too. Against Hull City last week, he cut inside and played an incisive through-ball to Danny Welbeck for the equaliser. It was his third assist in an Arsenal shirt.

Perhaps that flash of creative instinct is what led Arsene Wenger to consider moving Alexis infield. Against Sunderland, we saw the Chilean deployed in a new role as a No. 10. 

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In the absence of Mesut Ozil, Arsenal need someone to take up the creative baton. On this evidence, Alexis could fit the bill. Floating behind Welbeck, he was a constant menace to the Sunderland defence. His desire and stamina also allow him to chase back and join up with the midfield when required.

Alexis has played in the role before. At Udinese, he alternated between the right flank and a central playmaking role. After this man-of-the-match display at Sunderland, he’s likely to be granted more time in the middle.

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The truth is, wherever Alexis plays he remains a threat. His desire is quite incredible. It’s rare to see a player so gifted and yet so prepared to graft.

His fusion of guts and guile is reminiscent of Luis Suarez, another South American who became a sensation in the Premier League. Fortunately for Arsenal and Alexis, he doesn’t seem to share the same temper that marred Suarez’s time in English football. 

In Alexis, Arsenal have a true star. They just need to make sure he doesn’t burn out under the burden.

James McNicholas is Bleacher Report's lead Arsenal correspondent and will be following the club from a London base throughout the 2014/15 season. Follow him on Twitter here.