Alexis Sanchez the Hero, but Tomas Rosicky Plays Fine Support Role for Arsenal

LONDON — Arsenal’s fans witnessed another masterclass from Alexis Sanchez as they avenged their recent defeat at the Potteries with a 3-0 win over Stoke City.

The prematch conversation was dominated by Arsene Wenger’s decision to drop Wojciech Szczesny in favour of David Ospina.

Giving the Colombian his first Premier League start against a physical side like Stoke may have initially seemed like a risky decision, but by the end of the game, it appeared insignificant. Ospina enjoyed a quiet afternoon as Arsenal dominated Mark Hughes’ side.

If there was a bit of surprise at Arsenal’s goalkeeping selection, there was barely an eyebrow raised over the identity of the man of the match: Alexis was outstanding yet again. The Chilean scored twice and created the other goal, tearing about the pitch with a now-familiar combination of desire and invention.

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His brace now means he needs just six goals to match the total that Ian Wright managed in his first Arsenal season. Seven more would take him level with record goalscorer Thierry Henry’s debut tally.

Henry was watching from his box at the Emirates Stadium and can’t fail to have been impressed. Alexis’ first goal even had a touch of Henry’s characteristic va-va-voom about it, as he cut sharply in from the left to accelerate the play before squeezing the ball beyond the goalkeeper.

Next month, Premier League players will begin voting for the PFA (Professional Footballers' Association) Players' Player of the Year. Alexis undoubtedly deserves to be in contention.

Sitting fifth in the table, Arsenal’s unlikely to win one of this season’s major prizes. However, that should not discount him from taking an individual award. If anything, his achievements are more remarkable given the dysfunction that has often surrounded him.

However, Alexis was not the only Arsenal player to impress against Stoke. All too often this season, Arsenal have looked like a one-man team, but that wasn’t the case this time: Arsenal’s brightest star was ably assisted by a constellation of supporting talent.

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One name who probably deserves more plaudits is Tomas Rosicky. Whenever the Czech midfielder plays, the Gunners seem much more fluid.

Wenger once described Robert Pires as the oil in Arsenal’s engine, and Rosicky seems to slicken Arsenal’s midfield in much the same way.

He’s an accurate passer, but shares Alexis’ willingness to marry his technique with tenacity. Those who watch Arsenal regularly will name Rosicky as one of the team’s most effective tacklers. He is capable of sliding in to win the ball from the unlikeliest of positions.

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When he does get it back, his first thought is to go forward and travel at pace. It is hard to believe he is already 34, as he is the Arsenal midfielder with the greatest ability to inject tempo into the game.

Rosicky’s age and vulnerability mean he can’t play every game. In fact, this was just his third Premier League start of the season. The fact that he’s been used sparingly in the first half of the campaign could work in Arsenal’s favour: He ought to have plenty of energy left for what is likely to be a tricky run-in.

Arsenal will need Rosicky to help them maintain their Champions League place. Without that, they run the risk of losing something far more valuable than television revenue: their best player, Alexis Sanchez.

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