Former Arsenal academy star Jeff Reine-Adelaide last night lauded Alexandre Lacazette as the Lyon captain scored yet another goal for his new club on the same day Gabriel Jesus fired a blank for the Gunners.
Speaking to Foot Mercato, the ex-Hale End wonderkid was full of praise for the Lyon captain as Lacazette was the hero on the night for Laurent Blanc’s side, with the striker bagging a second-half winner against LOSC Lille to take Les Gones to eighth in the Ligue 1 standings.
With eight goals in 13 appearances, Lacazette’s return to Lyon since being released by Mikel Arteta has been nothing short of incredible, with the former Arsenal star finding his goalscoring touch after only managing four goals in the Premier League last campaign, with the Frenchman currently besting Jesus’ tally for the term.
The Brazilian international was signed to replace Lacazette this summer, and whilst the former Manchester City star has been incredible in his own right, goals have dried up as of late, with Jesus not scoring in the league since Arsenal’s 3-1 win against north London rivals Tottenham.
Indeed, whilst Jesus’ work off the ball has been incredible in getting the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli firing, there’s a real sense that the Brazilian needs a goal to get his confidence back to its best level. And Reine-Adelaide’s praise of Lacazette will do little to help the Arsenal star.
The former Arsenal wonderkid said about Lacazette: “It’s the leadership in him. He is there for that, he took out the cape and he was a superhero. He scored a very good goal, and we are very happy for him. We hope he will continue to score important goals.”
Jesus should use Lacazette’s Lyon goals as motivation
Many would consider Jesus’ signing a success for Arsenal, with the striker providing more than just goals for the Gunners and Arteta’s system seemingly fitting the Brazilian’s style of play to a tee. Yet with Lacazette continuing to score for Lyon, the 25-year-old should use this as motivation.
After all, Jesus finding his goalscoring tough would be massive in Arsenal’s quest to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, and motivation from a former rival could act as fuel to help the South American attacker.
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