Arsenal fans inside the Emirates Stadium to watch this evening’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Chelsea will notice one glaring omission when they examine the stands.The banner that included a photo of Alexis Sanchez and his two dogs has been taken down.There is, of course, now room to put up a banner that honours Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Arguably the biggest swap deal in the 21st century was completed on Monday evening after days of negotiations.Man United fans will feel that they got the better end of the deal but Arsenal supporters are very much excited to see Mkhitaryan in action.
The Armenian playmaker is unavailable for the Chelsea match and he will watch his new teammates in action from the stands.
If Arsenal can play anything like they did in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, you can bet that ‘Who needs Sanchez anyway?’ messages will be everywhere on social media.
And Arsenal supporters will be less bothered by Sanchez’s departure if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is brought in from Borussia Dortmund.
Willian taunts Arsenal over Sanchez move
But, in the eyes of Chelsea winger Willian, there can be no hiding the thought that Arsenal are weaker without the Chilean star.
The Brazilian compared Arsenal losing Sanchez to Chelsea losing Eden Hazard, and taunted the Gunners by pointing out that the Belgian wizard remains at Stamford Bridge.
“To lose this kind of player is not easy,” Willian told the Evening Standard. “It would be like losing Eden here - he is a great player.
“Is he that important to them? Of course. No one wants to lose this kind of player. They are two great players but [unlike Sanchez] Eden is still here.
“Great players have quality to play in matches like this. Arsenal have other players but Sanchez is special.”
Willian is desperate to beat Arsenal
Willian can further annoy Arsenal by knocking them out of the Carabao Cup this evening.
The tournament presents the best opportunity for the Gunners to win any silverware this season but Willian admitted that he’s spurred on by a desire not to lose to Arsene Wenger’s side.
“I hope we can do something special to win,” the Brazil international added. “We have quality players who can do something different. Everyone has to be ready.
“It’s not just the Chelsea fans who don’t like losing to Arsenal. We, the Chelsea players, don’t like losing to Arsenal either. We are going into this game very strong.”