Alexandre Lacazette has scored nearly 40 goals since leaving Premier League giants Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 with the veteran striker firing home a hat-trick to give Lyon a much-needed win over the weekend.
It should tell you a lot about just how dreadful Lyon have been this season that not even a 3-0 trouncing of Toulouse on Sunday afternoon was enough to lift a team who celebrated seven successive league titles not so long ago off the bottom of the table.
It does, however, provide a timely injection of optimism. A little hit of hope.
Lyon looked down and out, destined for Ligue 2, before Alexandre Lacazette produced a true ‘captain’s performance’ at Stade OL, all those who expected Les Gones, ahem, Tou-louse again left red-faced by a former Arsenal striker who continues to enjoy a new lease of life since returning to the club where he played the best football of his career.
Alexandre Lacazette outstanding since Arsenal exit
Lacazette scored only six goals in his final year at Arsenal in 2021/22. Rumours of his demise as a goalscoring force, however, appear to have been greatly exaggerated.
Lacazette enjoyed the second-best season of his entire career last term – netting 31 times in all competitions – and doubled this season’s tally in just 65 minutes when Toulouse came to town.
37 goals in 51 games
“He is a player who, on a daily basis, is very, very important for others,” Pierre Sage, Lyon’s interim coach tells Made In Gones. “Since he is considered by his team-mates, his young team-mates, as being a role model.
“And, therefore, he must give energy and set the tone in training. If we can train well, I think we will continue to play well. It has a double importance, on a daily basis but also in matches like this because it is decisive.
“I am very happy for him. He had an extraordinary season last year. (This season) didn’t start in the right direction but he’s showing everyone that he’s a fantastic goalscorer.”
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