With Alexis Sanchez being left out of Arsenal’s squad for their Crystal Palace clash due to his imminent Man United switch, worries emerged whether the Gunners could beat the Eagles on Saturday. Winless in their last five games in all competitions, Wenger’s side entered the game needing a victory.
Given that they lost their last Premier League game 2-1 to Bournemouth after dropping the Chilean, the anxiety could be forgiven. However, the north London giant took no time to wash away the fears.
Within the first 13 minutes, the home side was leading 3-0. Nacho Monreal opened the scoring in the 6th minute before assisting goals in the 10th and 13th minute.
Nine minutes later, things got worse for the away team. Alexandre Lacazette completed a brilliant team move to score the fourth goal in the 22nd minute, burying a flick-pass assist from Mesut Ozil whose back was facing the Frenchman.
And many Arsenal fans – presumably – were loving this excellent display against Roy Hodgson’s crew. Twitter users were quick to mock the departing Sanchez, even going as far as to claim he was the deadwood in north London holding back the Gunners.
The 29-year-old was shown little mercy on social media. Check out the best tweets below.
When you realise Alexis is no longer a thing at Arsenal pic.twitter.com/RE3ySj2rgj
— Daily Cannon (@DailyCannon) January 20, 2018
Alexis pointing to a better players than him pic.twitter.com/PLgb4uga1O
— P™ (@Cechque) January 20, 2018
MADNESSSSS ALEXIS WAS THE CANCER
— renato (@rehnato) January 20, 2018
Apparently, few things unite and motivate Arsenal players than their hatred of Alexis
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) January 20, 2018
When Arsenal attack without Alexis Sanchez.. pic.twitter.com/baSnaKV1i7
— Mike Sanz (@mikesanz19) January 20, 2018
If you can’t quite see what Alexis was doing to this team then I feel for you. He was angry when he wasn’t given the ball, when he was given the ball he kept losing it. Without him more fluid football, more movement without the ball.
— Spanish Gooner (@elspanishgooner) January 20, 2018
Arsenal are struggling to cope without Sanchez. It’s taken them 14 minutes to score 3.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 20, 2018
Tears in my eyes lacazette finishes from a mesut and jack combination. Sanchez was the problem. Vintage Arsenal are back. Aubameyang and mkhitaryan please
— Nick Niraj (@Born2goon) January 20, 2018
When you ask an Arsenal fan if they're missing Alexis Sanchez. pic.twitter.com/CvLHGtzWWS
— Not Match of the Day (@NOT_MOTD) January 20, 2018
Alexis leaves and Wengerball returns. Coincidence? I think not.
— Mike Sanz (@mikesanz19) January 20, 2018
This is sensational stuff from Arsenal. Playing with the shackles off and Lacazette finishes an outstanding team goal with Ozil at the heart of it. 4-0.
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) January 20, 2018
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