It was written in the stars. Much of the pre-match talk during the build-up to Friday night’s FA Cup fourth round tie between Arsenal and Manchester United had been dominated by the return of Alexis Sanchez to The Emirates.
It was a little over twelve months ago that Sanchez swapped North London for Old Trafford as part of a swap deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan going the other way. It is a deal that might one day go down in the annuls of the ‘worst swap deal of all time’ as both players have struggled for form at their new clubs.
Sanchez was selected from the start on Friday and was booed by sections of The Emirates crowd. He duly silenced them with the opening goal. It had to be him. It is fair to say Arsenal fans were not happy as he ran on to Romelu Lukaku’s pass before nonchalantly chipping the ball into the net. Twitter was awash with reaction as Sanchez celebrated scoring only his second goal of the season by raising his arms in front of the stands of his old club…
Sanchez celebrates scoring after being booed by Arsenal fans. Who then boo even more. Can’t have it both ways. All players should celebrate goals regardless. – @MarkOgden_
Arsenal really let Sanchez score! At The Emirates. I’m gonna vomit – @ashleytolanix
It was a muted celebration in modern terms and it left Twitter users torn as to whether he was right or wrong…
They’re booing you all game, Sanchez. There is no respect to be paid back, so celebrate properly. – @A_Tottenham_Man
I’m so livid that Sanchez didn’t celebrate after the boos… -@SmartDaviduf
&*%$ off sanchez nobody likes you – @BigBazzaB
Understandably, Manchester United fans were a bit happier about the turn of events!
It was utter delight for the Red Devils and they are in fine fettle currently as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had overseen seven wins from seven games prior to the FA Cup tie at The Emirates.
There are signs that the Norwegian is finally getting the best out of a bunch of players who underperformed so horribly for his predecessor, Jose Mourinho.
I can’t remember Sanchez doing anything like that in all his time at #mufc That was not an easy goal to score. Brilliant, movement, footwork and finish – @JamesRobsonES
Sanchez worth every penny!!!! Sit down Arsenal! Love this game! [@MarkGoldbridge]
Thought Solskjaer had made too many changes but if there is a player who ever appreciated squad rotation it is him. He’s imparted that wisdom onto Sanchez and Lukaku. More Arsenal fans are leaving. #mufc [@SamuelLuckhurst]
It was a breathless first half at The Emirates as momentum swung one way and then another.