Lacazette on Wenger: The Arsenal striker, who has been a key player for Unai Emery this season, opened up on his frustrations during his first season.
Alexandre Lacazette has emerged as one of the most important players for Arsenal this season.
After the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, it was believed that Lacazette might be sidelined to the bench. However, both the players have developed an excellent partnership, both on and off-the-pitch.
Lacazette has so far scored five Premier League goals, assisting three in the Premier League this season. The Frenchman was also rewarded with a French call-up in the international break, but withdrew, owing to lack of fitness.
The forward’s last season, however, was full of struggles. The lack of consistent performances cost him a place in France’s World Cup squad under Didier Deschamps. He scored 17 goals for Arsenal throughout the season, but couldn’t establish himself as the main man under Arsene Wenger.
Lacazette has now commented on his debut year at the Emirates Stadium.
Lacazette on Wenger:
In the Premier League, Alexandre Lacazette completed only 10 of the 26 games he started. He was consistently being substituted in the second half, which annoyed the French striker.
“Most of the chances came at the end because the defenders are tired,” Lacazette told Ian Wright for Premier League’s official website.
“I love London. I came here to discover something different. It’s a great city, I like how people think here. Sometimes I have no hat, no glasses and people don’t recognise me,” he added. “When I can work, chill and no one knows who I am, this is good.”
– Alexandre Lacazette pic.twitter.com/fdK3DAifo8
— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) November 15, 2018
“I was frustrated but it was my first season and all of my family said don’t be like that, enjoy being at a great club.”
Lacazettte, however, is now enjoying his time at Arsenal, stating that he used to follow the Gunners even during his childhood.
The reason for Lacazette’s withdrawal was a slight groin injury. He did not reject the call up. The decision was made based on medical advice from both, Arsenal and the FFF. He will now be assessed ahead of the Bournemouth game. [@jamesbenge] #AFC #FRA pic.twitter.com/q26kZFCScT
— Cannon Insider (@CannonInsider) November 12, 2018
“Yes it was. Arsenal with Titi [Henry], Patrick [Vieira], Robert Pires, Sylvain Wiltord. Arsenal were always playing well. So, for me, even if in England it is physical, I wanted to play football here.”
The forward also talked about the major differences in the intensity between the Premier League and Ligue 1.
“When you receive the ball [in France], maybe you have one metre more so you can manage the ball. Here [in England], defenders don’t care about who you are.”
Alex Lacazette feels very much at home at the Emirates. The striker has 16 goal contributions in 18 Premier League starts at home (12G, 4A). #ARSWOL pic.twitter.com/a2G98BotU7
— Cannon Insider (@CannonInsider) November 11, 2018
Lacazette believes that winning a cup could set the tone for the next season. “Win a cup is the best thing for us and for our fans,” the forward said.
