Mark Schwarzer hailed Alexandre Lacazette on BBC Radio 5 Live (15/12, 21:08) for his pass to assist Gabriel Martinelli to break the deadlock in Arsenal’s win over West Ham United.
Martinelli put the Gunners ahead three-minutes into the second-half on Wednesday night. Emile Smith Rowe later came off the bench to net three-minutes from time and seal three-points for the Emirates Stadium outfit, who overtook the Irons into fourth with the win.
Former Arsenal ace Lukasz Fabianski also stopped Lacazette doubling their lead over West Ham by saving his second-half penalty. But the incident proved inconsequential to the end result, despite the Gunners spurning several chances to score throughout.
Schwarzer hails Lacazette assist for Arsenal opener
Lacazette was often involved in the action as Arsenal beat West Ham on Wednesday night. The £46.5m striker, donning the captain’s armband, forced a save from Fabianski late in the first-half. But his day ended without a goal, having seen the Irons stopper save his penalty.
But the Frenchman did register an assist, after feeding Martinelli with a perfectly weighted through ball. Lacazette spotted a gap between Vladimir Coufal and Craig Dawson to play the Brazilian in on goal. While Martinelli showed great composure to find the far corner.
Lacazette impressed former Fulham goalkeeper Schwarzer with his pass to find Martinelli, as Arsenal broke the deadlock against West Ham.
“A wonderful move by Arsenal and I think Alexandre Lacazette played the ball through to Gabriel Martinelli,” Schwarzer said. “The weight on the pass was super, the timing was perfect and Martinelli did the rest. It was a really good finish.”
Lacazette delivered a super display for Arteta in West Ham win
Lacazette will have been annoyed to have missed from the spot as Arsenal beat West Ham. But the striker will have pleased his manager, Mikel Arteta, with his all-round display.
The £182k-a-week forward connected the Gunners’ attack well against the Hammers, and had chances to score. He also constantly dropped deep to offer his teammates an option, and played the decisive pass to Martinelli that put the Emirates outfit deservedly ahead.
Arteta will have appreciated Lacazette’s willingness to hold the ball up to bring the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martinelli into the game. Arsenal will now visit Leeds on Saturday looking to maintain their advantage in fourth-place over West Ham, who host Norwich.
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