Mikel Arteta has told Friday’s press conference that criticism of Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette is misplaced – claiming the Frenchman has been “phemonenal” and that he offers more to Arsenal than just goals.
Lacazette, 30, has failed to score a goal from open play in 13 Premier League games. He has since scored two penalties in that time, and laid on an impressive seven assists for Arteta’s side – offering plenty of creativity.
The France international remains out of contract in the summer, and while a deal could be offered to Lacazette – nothing has yet surfaced with talks expected at the end of the season. But his goals are a concern to Arsenal.
Asked about the lack of prolifacy, Arteta discussed Lacazette and while the goals are rare – Arteta said: “Laca’s contribution to the team in many other ways he’s been phenomenal. Of course we want the striker to score goals.”
Arteta on Lacazette: Should striker be replaced – or get a new deal?
Lacazette is proving to be a crucial part of Arsenal’s system. While he has only scored six goals in 30 appearances this term, he gets the best out of his Arsenal teammates. Emile Smith-Rowe, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard.
Should he be replaced? If he is to be replaced, then it should be with a striker that can still bring out that creativity of his teammates. Not just a goalscorer. Ideally, Arsenal need a Harry Kane – but they are rare.
So, perhaps it would not be the end of the world to hand Lacazette – while branding him “phenomenal” might be his manager defending him, his creativity as a striker is important.
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