Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette may have missed a penalty against West Ham last night but his all-round game played a key role in helping the Gunners secure the three points.
The Frenchman, who was made captain for the night, was sharp and decisive in possession, linking up play when coming deep for the ball. His work in the buildup to Gabriel Martinelli’s opener also has to be highlighted.
Supporters on Twitter were quick to recognise Lacazette’s overall contributions, even though the striker failed to score from twelve yards out:
Absolutely fantastic, crucially in an all round fashion, not just within his role on the box. He has the drive, and I love that!
— maxtout (@maxtout27) December 15, 2021
Unlucky with the pen. Brilliant performance from him nonetheless.
— 🔴⚪️(🏴) (@afcliam17) December 15, 2021
Great game for him but i will still Let him leave and bring in a clinical CF
— @Nana 🇬🇭🇬🇧🇫🇷 (@GuyPoku) December 15, 2021
Laca always gets involved with the build up and connects with the players
— Loooooooool (@remby02) December 15, 2021
He just shines when players choose to see his contributions, he is an outright gunner but he does so many intangibles that it just needs to be seen.
— BABATUNDE (@davidwenceslaus) December 15, 2021
He played brilliantly, despite missing the penalty, he won my praises.
— I_am_Oyebisitony (@Babacotz) December 15, 2021
he is a top professional…. always gives his best.
— Abeer ul Islam (@Abeer_Islam95) December 15, 2021
MoM for me
— Si Eaton (@SiEaton) December 15, 2021
Laca was brilliant & always works his socks off as usual
— Ü$|-|@M@ (@USxGOONER) December 15, 2021
Some will feel that two goals in 12 league appearances is not a good enough return from a number nine, but Lacazette is very much the link between midfield and attack. The team struggle to play fluently in the final third without him.
For that reason, you can forgive the lack of goal threat, as long as he is working for the team. The 30-year-old may well leave when his contract expires next summer but you wouldn’t know that from the displays he is putting in.
