Top 10 Alexis moments
Wembely Screamer
Well sadly the deal has been signed.
However, I will miss Alexis a lot, and want to cite these points in his favour.
Is he a “snake”?
Has he gone for the money? Partly.
But let’s be honest, United is a more progressive club than us at the moment. They have more of a plan, a better team, and a more geared manager. Both Arsenal and United are global brands in their own rights but United is a bigger club, let’s face it.
But as by the time of writing, he’s gone; I want to express my admiration for him, and his contribution to our club. These are some favourite moments of his, during his tenure:
Benfica (H) – 2014/15
He scored on his home debut, though not with the best finish. However, this got us into the Champions’ League group stage, and was a sign of things to come from him.
Man City (H) 2014/15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj6phJ-4Sss
We drew this game 2-2, however he put us in front with a sublime volley after Wilshere equalised earlier on.
Southampton (H) 2014/15
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We played badly, but due to Alexis, we sneaked the win, and epitomised how he often saved our skins.
Aston Villa (Wembley – FA Cup Final – 2014/15)
His goal here, amidst a 4-0 rout of Villa, surely stands amongst the very best of all time in an FA Cup Final. Possibly only Ricky Villa for that lot betters it, and the technique utilised was superior to Gerrard’s pile driver in 2006.
Man United (H) – 2015/16
He scored two wonders here. The first was a cute flick at the near post. The second, was drive from outside the area, and in the words of Martin Tyler “ooooohh! Pick that one out!!”
Tottenham (A) – 2015/16
2-2 equaliser v Spurs
That lot thought they were geared to win the league for the first time in generations (hahahahha…thank you Toon for denying them second place!!) But after us bossing them in the first half, and for part of the second, Coquelin got himself sent off, they equalised and Mr Kane scored an admittedly top goal to put them in front. However, Alexis popped up to get a draw, and deny them their first title (let alone runners-up spot) in decades.
West Ham (A) 16/17
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28MSS5ks_fI
The Hammers were not adapting well to their new ground, and Alexis contributed to that woe. A wicked hat-trick secured a win, which at the time took us to the top of the league.
Middlesbrough (A) 16/17
We were having some bad games at that time, but he scored a wondrous free kick to put us in front, and ultimately get the win.
Stoke (A) 16/17
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrVrBw1sNsg
We beat Stoke for once at their place, but then despite being injured slightly he took his time to slot home a wonderful goal, and help us push (albeit unsuccessfully) for a top four place.
Chelsea (Wembley Stadium – FA Cup Final 16/17)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLMVqM8FCgk
Chelsea was worthy champions, and were looking for a Double. However, Alexis scored a goal early in the game, and was man of the match. His energy, speed, and skill, were too much for Chelsea’s defence to handle.
Ambition/RvP repeated
New RVP?
Robin van Persie left us for United years ago. And attained the success that he desired by winning the league the next season.
RvP absorbed the ire of most Gooners, myself included, though more for his comments/statement (I believe) than his departure. RvP didn’t agree with the direction of the club, and Alexis evidently doesn’t either. Reasons for leaving, in both cases, are valid.
United are offering more money than City are, but then for me, I believe we should focus on why he is leaving. Of the current top six, few have left citing a lack of ambition. The highest profile departure from United of late is Rooney, or Ibra somewhat. Though Rooney left due to being past it (without any disrespect since he is an England legend), and Ibra got injured and essentially re-signed. Liverpool lost Coutinho, though have gained van Dijk, Keita, and our own Ox of course. Spurs can cite a lack of transfer funds to keep Walker happy, and Chelsea let go of Costa due to his attitude. We’re unique, largely, and this needs to be rectified.
Recurrent events denote an underlying pattern, and nothing more.
Legend?
Is Alexis an Arsenal legend? This is moot in my mind, since legend is a subjective label.
In terms of his performances, he may well be. He is up there in consistent quality with Henry, Wright, Bergkamp, Pires, etc. as modern day legends. And he has helped us win trophies, namely the 2015/2017 FA Cups. Henry was critical in 2002/2004 leagues, and Wrighty was such in the 1993 Cup Double.
Yes, he has left us under a bit of cloud, possibly. But then Brady in the day left, and arguably for the exact reason. Serie A in the 1980s was the league to play in, unlike today. And why not experience a new horizon/setting? Some say Henry (in my mind wrongly) a snake for going to Barca. However, he was 30, and it was arguably Wenger who moved him on, and most of the Invincibles had retired or moved on also.
For me, Alexis in commitment, performances, goals, and technique alone, stands as one of our very best contemporary players. For some, legendary status is a stretch. But few, if any, can dispute his quality.
So adios Mr. Alexis. In his own language, since his English is still rudimentary* “muchas gracias por las memorias. Y los goles, y las copas. Pero, no yo quiero te tener unos goles contra nosotros en el juego a Old Trafford, por favor…”
*rough translation – thanks for the memories, goals, and cups, but I don’t want him to score against us at Old Trafford…
MarbleHallsTV is an Arsenal social media account on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube. Been a Gooner since the 90s, inspired by Ian Wright, then Bergkamp, Vieira, Henry, Pires, Campbell, Rosicky, Koscielny, Ozil and Sanchez. A digital marketer/entrpreneur by profession, born in UK living in the Americas now.
I don`t think he will be remembered as a legend because he wasn`t here long enough to achieve that status. There is no denying that he saved us on several occasions and he was a terrier of a combatant. He also went into sulks and disappeared at times leading to disappointment at his contributions.
I`m not sure that he is the right fit for Utd. There is a huge possibility of an ego war with Maureen if he doesn`t do exactly what he tells him to. I understand that Pogba has already had murmurings about the disparity in wages. Possible upset in the dressing room? One thing is certain, if he doesn`t live up to his huge salary, the fans will not be as forgiving as ours.