AFTER their first managerial change for more than two decades, it was inevitable that Arsenal fans would spend the season scanning the pitch for signs of change. Any regular observer of the Gunners will certainly note that one of the dramatic differences from 2017/18 has come in the performances of Alexandre Lacazette.
When Arsenal signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang last January, it appeared to put Lacazette’s position at the club in doubt, but he has responded to the challenge in outstanding fashion. It’s easy to forget now, but at times last season Lacazette looked worryingly lightweight. Now, however, he’s going from strength to strength.
Against Bournemouth, Lacazette unveiled another new trick by bending an expertly-arcing free-kick into the near post. While the quality of his set-piece execution was a novelty, it wasn’t exactly surprising. Arsenal fans have grown accustomed to seeing new facets of the Frenchman’s game—Lacazette has spent most of this campaign adding new strings to his bow.
MY STRIKER
@LacazetteAlex #ARSBOU pic.twitter.com/JsXpH8JxYW
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) February 27, 2019
When they bought him, Arsenal fans assumed they were getting someone who operated primarily as a penalty box player. Instead, they have someone who is rapidly developing into an all-round centre-forward.
Lacazette’s strike was his 14th of the season. Given that he’s only actually started 21 games, often splitting the 90 minutes with Aubameyang, it’s an excellent record. He also became the first Arsenal striker to score in five consecutive league matches at the Emirates Stadium since Robin van Persie.
He’s arguably also the club’s finest finisher since the days of the Dutchman. The quality of the goals he has scored this season is remarkable. Lacazette is blessed with the ability to generate enormous power in his shots with very little back-lift—the blistering strikes against Cardiff City and Chelsea being among the best examples. Aubameyang’s speed and movement generates him more opportunities, but no current Arsenal player is more clinical than Lacazette.
At the Emirates (Prem)
Lacazette
32 apps
18 goals
6 assistsAubameyang
22 apps
17 goals
6 assistsDevastating duo pic.twitter.com/AsJ8tmzLEI
— Shaun (@ArsenalReviewed) February 27, 2019
Those predatory instincts have always been there for Lacazette, but it has been fantastic to watch his game blossom in other areas. His prolific goalscoring ability is matched with a surprising selflessness. He has turned provider on several occasions this season. He already has five Premier League assists for the Gunners—a tally only Aaron Ramsey can better.
At times last season, he seemed to struggle against the physicality of the Premier League—hindered in no small part by niggling injury problems. This season, he has more than stood up to the challenge. Lacazette’s combination of upper-body strength and low centre of gravity has made him the surprise successor to Olivier Giroud as the focal point of the Arsenal attack. If Emery needs someone to hold the ball with his back to goal and bring others into play, he invariably calls on Lacazette.
Emery is currently wrestling with the challenge of whether to use Aubameyang and Lacazette in tandem, or rotate them from game to game. The long-term injury to Danny Welbeck and the subsequent lack of experienced centre-forward cover means that the prudent option is probably to share the workload.
5 – Alexandre Lacazette is the fifth different player to score in 5+ consecutive home Premier League appearances for Arsenal, and the first since Robin van Persie in 2011-12. Alive. #ARSBOU pic.twitter.com/EHNGACAF7X
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 27, 2019
However, the manner in which the two strikers have embraced the competition is a credit to them both. They have fostered a strong relationship both on and off the field, and the sight of them celebrating a goal with their counterpart has become a regular sight at the Emirates Stadium.
With the summer now not too far away, Arsenal fans are beginning to wonder how the club will raise funds for a summer rebuild. In the last week, a story circulated suggesting that with Aubameyang also in the squad, Lacazette could sold in order to strengthen other areas. Understandably, most Arsenal fans were up in arms. Over the course of the season, he has built a strong bond with the supporters, who now regularly greet his frequent substitutions with consternation.
He isn’t going anywhere. Lacazette’s performances have ensured he remains an integral part of both Arsenal’s present and future. A year ago, the Frenchman faced a real fight for his place at the club. It’s fair to say that’s a battle he’s won.
