Electric Alexis reminds Wenger & Arsenal what they've been missing

There are some players with such quality that they are impossible to replace. Alexis Sanchez is one of them, and he showed Arsenal what they have been missing as he inspired them to a 2-1 home win against Burnley in the FA Cup fourth round.

On his first start since suffering a hamstring injury in late November, Alexis provided an assist for Calum Chambers’ opener and scored the Gunners’ second with a fine finish at the end of a breathtaking counter-attack he had started himself.

The Chilean’s celebration - casual, smirking - spoke of a man who means business after two months of having to watch his team-mates on television or from the stands.

Alexis led from the front, as he always does. He buzzed around the final third, looking to put Burnley on the back foot with his constant movement and direct running.

Arsene Wenger says Alexis’ energy and intensity “hits you in the face.” The Chilean added the spark to a largely pedestrian team performance at the Emirates on Saturday.

After the soporific display in last Sunday’s defeat to Chelsea, Alexis is exactly the man Arsenal need to re-ignite a Premier League title challenge that has faltered in recent weeks.

Arsenal could actually now benefit from Alexis’ enforced break after his hamstring finally gave way at Norwich before the festive period.

The 27-year-old had spent months doggedly running his legs deeper and deeper into the dreaded ‘red zone’ and was perhaps lacking a little sharpness; that few per cent that can make the difference at the top level.

The signs were encouraging when Alexis came on as a substitute last week against Chelsea and his importance to the side was reinforced here before he was replaced 12 minutes from time.

He will surely start against Southampton on Tuesday night as the north Londoners look to avenge their 4-0 defeat on the south coast in December.

Alexis’ performance was the cherry on top of the cake on a very positive day for Wenger after he made nine changes to the team that started last weekend.

Mohamed Elneny impressed on his debut, playing in an all-action role in central midfield as he looked to dictate play with his excellent stamina and desire to get on the ball.

The £5 million January signing will face sterner tests and has been warned by Wenger that he will find his move to England from Basel a “big step”, but this was a comfortable introduction for a player who looks like he will fit in with the Arsenal style of football.

Francis Coquelin also played 70 minutes following knee ligament damage and the Frenchman’s comeback could be as vital to Arsenal’s title hopes as Alexis’ return.

Tomas Rosicky came off the bench as well, to remind supporters that he still exists, while youngster Alex Iwobi again showed why he is highly rated by Wenger with a strong performance in the No.10 role.

Those are relatively minor positives for Wenger. What matters most is that Alexis is fit again and back to his electric best.