Alex Lacazette hasn’t had much of a look-in this season. He’s spent the majority on the peripheral of the first XI, playing most of his minutes in the League Cup. But after a substitution against Crystal Palace that saw him change the game and grab a last minute equaliser for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta could ignore the French-man no longer.
The Lacazette-Aubameyang conundrum
From the moment Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived at Arsenal in 2018, him and Lacazette have been inseparable. The friend-ship was clear to see from early on but no Arsenal fan could predict how the two, who enjoyed portions of their careers at rival French clubs, would form a bond so deep. From signature celebrations to memorable videos, the two have become an iconic duo.
On the pitch, the partnership hasn’t always been so fluid. Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, even Arsene Wenger for the brief period both played under him, have all tried to fit Aubameyang and Lacazette into the same team. Some times with more effect than others.
Under Emery we most definitely saw the best of the partnership. Both players were in brilliant form and linked up excellently. The two were usually deployed in a striking partner-ship, mostly at the head of a three-back formation. Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey, both still at the club and playing at this point, provided chances for the duo. Incredibly, at the end of the season the two had a combined goals/assists number of 66.
Unfortunately while Aubameyang continued his fine form into the 19/20 season, Lacazette was hit by injury issues and inconsistencies. He hasn’t reached the same level since, although was important in Arsenal’s 19/20 FA Cup run and ended the 20/21 season strongly. Alternatively, Aubameyang struggled throughout the 20/21 season but had suffered from numerous personal issues away from the field.
The two friends would line up again together for the first time this season against Aston Villa and both looked back to their best.
A deeper, effective Alex Lacazette
From the team-sheet, it was expected Mikel Arteta would be sticking to the 4-2-3-1. Aubameyang would play off the left hand side, with Lacazette through the middle. However from the get-go, Arsenal clearly seemed to be playing as a 4-4-2.
As often is the case with Arteta’s team the left-back, Nuno Tavares, played high and wide allowing Emile Smith-Rowe to drift inside from the left. Aubameyang pressed from the central position and Lacazette, although playing striker with Aubameyang, often seemed to drop back almost into an attacking-midfield position. Much like a shadow-striker.
Lacazette would constantly drop back, un-marked by the Villa midfield, allowing Arsenal to play through the lines and attack Villa’s back-line.
Lacazette drops deep and picks up the ball before spreading the play to Smith Rowe and starting an Arsenal counter-attack.
This time Lacazette plays a quick one-two with Saka allowing him to break past the two Villa midfielders and attack the space behind.
Arsenal pressed hard and in Aston Villa’s half from the first whistle. Lacazette and Aubameyang both worked to put pressure on the two centre-backs, with Saka and Smith Rowe pushing up on the full-backs and limiting options. Lacazette won the ball back in Villa’s half a number of times, running back to shut down counter-attacks and force Arsenal up the pitch.
It was a product of Lacazette’s work-rate which saw him win Arsenal’s penalty that made it 2-0. Saka picked up the ball on the right attempting to find Aubameyang. The ball was cut out but dropped into the box, Lacazette reacting well to get in front of his man and draw the foul.
Arsenal’s number nine hasn’t played much football this season and could only last 68 minutes with such intensity. He walked off the pitch to a crowd all on their feet.
The Frenchman’s Arsenal career hasn’t always travelled in a linear trajectory. But one thing that has maintained throughout, is the effort Lacazette puts in. He clearly cares deeply for the club and he is loved by the Emirates faithful for it. If he is to leave at the end of this season, performances like this in a role such as the one he played on Friday will make sure he exits on a high. A last season which ends in Arsenal success will certify Lacazette’s name among Emirates favourites forever more.