Arsenal and Sutton United have more in common than meets the eye

Wenger concurred with the idea of FA Cup romanticism, and played a key role himself in respecting the non-league side. He said that having come from humble football beginnings, he knew what it was like to be involved in a club which was supported by only “two or three people”. This is where Arsenal and Sutton share a vital similarity - whereas for Sutton it may have been Paul Dowsell and Wayne Shaw, it is Alexis Sanchez and Arsene Wenger who are holding Arsenal together.

Sanchez, the man who defied years of tradition by moving from Barcelona to Arsenal rather than the reverse, is the only player largely to avoid crowd heckles and widespread criticism. His style of play shows desire, and his bullish harassment of defenders puts the opposition under immediate pressure.

When watching Arsenal play, they seem lethargic - slow in tempo and lazy in work ethic. But when Sanchez is allowed to influence a game, Arsenal’s attack transforms into a threatening, fast-paced force. He provides an impetus that is lacking throughout the starting XI.

Sanchez is pivotal to the Gunners, as was displayed by the 750 die-hard Arsenal supporters at Sutton who chanted “pass the ball to Sanchez” repeatedly following his late introduction. Without him Arsenal struggle, and it is a growing concern that he may not be there to float the Arsenal boat next season.