Arsenal vs Chelsea: Alexandre Lacazette running out of first impressions

Alexandre Lacazette is carrying with him the most pressure of any Arsenal signing this decade, and he’ll be happy to know he doesn’t have many more debuts.

Arsenal’s preseason is coming to a glorious (and hopefully triumphant) final hurrah at Wembley, their home away from home, in the FA Community Shield. Which, according to Jose Mourinho, is a major trophy.

So it’s a big deal. Thankfully, Arsenal made some big deal signings for situations just like this.

Alexandre Lacazette has more pressure on him than any signing in recent memory. I would even argue that he has the most pressure on him of any Arsenal player that Arsene Wenger has ever signed. Between the price tag, the drought, and the glaring need, there is enough there to make Lacazette feel like the prodigal son.

And he’s been doing pretty well with that mantra. In his debut with the club, his first ever appearance in a Gunner’s shirt, he scored.

In his first ever appearance at the Emirates, in front of the home crowd and wearing the famous red and white, he scored.

Now, he will be making his first ever appearance at Wembley, his first really competitive fixture and, well, let’s hope he scores.

After this, Lacazette has but one big debut left, and that will come a mere five days later when the Premier League officially kicks off.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

Meaning that Lacazette is running out of first impressions. Which is a damn good thing for him, because once you get those out of the way, the weight is lifted a bit, then you just have to do a bit of scoring and you’re in the clear. And he’s two for two on that.

Facing down Chelsea in the Community Shield is going to be his toughest first impression to follow through on because it will be the first time he really gets a taste of the competitive nature of English football. The preseason is nothing compared to an actual competition such as this and all eyes will be on him.

Which makes it all the more interesting to see how Wenger decides to use him. In all likelihood, or at least what should happen, is that Lacazette will be suiting up alongside Olivier Giroud. Which will give him plenty of room to play around with and, ideally, give us another superb first impression.

Next: Arsenal's Predicted FIFA 18 Player Ratings

Major trophy or not, this is going to be an intensely competitive fixture. Call it a sort of baptism by fire for the Frenchman.