Football News

Lacazette determined to give Arsenal boss Arteta a “big headache” in quest for game time

By Mohamed Moallim

Published: 13:46, 8 March 2020

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is determined to give Mikel Arteta a selection headache after coming off the bench to score the winner in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over West Ham.

The 28-year-old French marksman found himself sitting outside the Gunners starting line up for a third successive Premier League game, but provided a crucial contribution when he swept in from close range.

Lacazette’s up and down season: Five things to know

  • Lacazette has featured in 20 of Arsenal’s 28 Premier League games this season.
  • He’s missed four games through injury and was an unused substitute in a further four.
  • Lacazette has so far registered seven goals, with all of those strikes coming at home.
  • His last two efforts – against Newcastle United and Everton – came after he was introduced from the bench.
  • Lacazette is determined to give Arteta another selection headache ahead of their meeting with Manchester City.

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This run out of the side was preceded by seven consecutive starts under Arteta, who took charge following the dismissal of Unai Emery in November, but the forward struggled to find the net during that time.

His goal against Newcastle, in a five-minute cameo last month, was his first in the league since a game against Brighton in early December.

However, Lacazette’s strike and assist against Steve Bruce’s side were not enough for him to subsequently feature against Everton as he was an unused substitute in the Gunners’ 3-2 win.

He again was named among the substitutes when the Hammers visited on matchday 29, but this time Arteta turned to him in the second half, and less than 20 minutes after coming onhe  registered the only goal of the game.

Speaking after the game, Lacazette holds no ill will against his manager’s decision and says it’s up to him to go from being a super-sub to being one of the first names on Arteta’s teamsheet.

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“I’m happy to score for the team. We worked hard. It was a difficult game. I’m happy. They deserved more because of the chances they created. This is football, sometimes you don’t get what you deserve,” he told BBC Sport.

“It is my job to give the manager a big headache. I’m struggling to make the first team but I’m happy to score again today.

“I know that now I have to play well again the next game. Everyone wants to give their best and it’s normal that whenever we do that we will perform as a team.”