Arsenal have announced their lineup for their highly-anticipated clash with Chelsea. The Gunners, who have fared poorly at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons, need nothing short of a victory to win over their critics.
Unfortunately, Wenger raised many eyebrows with his decision to drop Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean ace finds himself on the bench despite scoring an exquisite goal in the Europa League on Thursday.
Here's how we line up for #CFCvAFC... pic.twitter.com/nBeVhBOTjR
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 17, 2017
Furthermore, Mesut Ozil did not make the trip due to an injury, with Alex Iwobi deputizing for the Germany playmaker. Fans were angry by this decision, and rightly so, taking to Twitter to vent their frustration.
Even the stats don’t back Wenger’s decision. One in particular paints a gloomy picture of Arsenal’s chances of winning, as the north London club have never won a game since signing Alexis in which both the Chilean ace and Ozil failed to start.
Since Alexis Sanchez joined Arsenal, they have never won a Premier League game in which neither him nor Mesut Ozil started.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) September 17, 2017
It is a decision hard to fathom. Wenger denied mega-money bids from Man City for Alexis Sanchez, claiming he is not for sale, only to bench him against Conte’s high-flying side. Nonetheless, many on Twitter took this opportunity to make fun of the manager’s decision. Check out the best tweets.
Probably the only player that would get in the Chelsea team, Alexis Sanchez, is on the bench for Arsenal today. pic.twitter.com/uLQTUrbBfD
— Coral (@Coral) September 17, 2017
Arsenal fans seeing Alexis Sanchez on the bench vs Chelsea... #AFC pic.twitter.com/8AMTcBEvcl
— Oddschanger (@Oddschanger) September 17, 2017
Alexis Sanchez only makes the bench for #AFC. #CHEARS pic.twitter.com/LHNqt5ZMTA
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) September 17, 2017
Nothing against Iwobi but when you have Alexis Sanchez why isn't he starting??? #CHEARS wenger has lost it @Arsenal do something
— Marcel Somerville (@marcel_rockyb) September 17, 2017
Neither Alexis Sanchez nor Ozil will be starting for Arsenal in their fixture vs. Chelsea later this afternoon. Wenger has lost the plot.
— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) September 17, 2017
I don't want to live In a world where Alex iwobi gets the nod against Chelsea ahead of Alexis Sanchez.
— April (@aprilburton21) September 17, 2017
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