Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette must make winning first impression

Arsenal open their preseason schedule by facing Sydney FC on Thursday. Alexandre Lacazette could be in line to feature, with a chance to make a winning first impression.

Arsenal start their preseason duties by facing Sydney FC on Thursday. It is the opening match of the summer and welcomes the Gunners to their two-match tour of Australia, before they travel to China to face Bayern Munich and then Chelsea to round out their tour.

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While the games have little meaning or significance, or at least the result, it is also the first glimpse of football that us starved fans receive after enduring an inconsequential Confederations Cup where the biggest news stories were the introduction of Video Assistant Referee and the confirmation that Germany is simply an assembly line for wonderful footballers.

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One thing that preseason games do offer that is somewhat unique and impactful is the chance to see how the new signings that have been made up until that point settle into the squad, whether they are able to slide into the team seamlessly, igniting a shared understanding and relationship with their new teammates, playing in a style that their manager demands of them, and succeeding in a way that their price tag suggests they should.

For Alexandre Lacazette, the first impression that he makes, with his new teammates, with Arsene Wenger and with the fans will be important and influential. As a striker who relies on teammates being able to anticipate and then find his movement, it is essential that he develops a connection with those around him, such that the collective awareness and potency of the side is enhanced.

But more than the transition that he must make from Lyon to Arsenal, there are also large sections of the fanbase that he must appease. Some have criticised the move, claiming that he is not the elite level striker that is required.

The criticisms are based on several foundations — his lack of experience out of the French league, his going missing in the big games, his inflated scoring numbers as a result of penalties. Rather than reason with them, though, the best way to defy the doubters is simply to show them otherwise, starting on Thursday.

Lacazette has been named in the squad for the opening preseason game, and while he may not start, it is likely that he will feature at some point during proceedings. Although it is not essential that he hits the ground running with his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt, it would undoubtedly help his cause if he showed glimpses of his quality early and often.

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In today’s society, first impressions are concerningly important. They stick. Lacazette will be making a first impression for many who have not had the chance to see him in France on Thursday. Let’s hope he can make a good one.