Arsenal: Alexandre Lacazette can make Alexis Sanchez disappear

Arsenal’s debut was an absolute roller coaster of emotions, but if we can take one thing out of it, it’s that Alexandre Lacazette is our key to Alexis Sanchez.

Every emotion that you can possibly feel throughout the course of an Arsenal season was felt in the home opener against Leicester City. All of the disappointment. All of the intrigue. All of the elation.

And probably the best part, of all the good parts, was seeing just how well Alexandre Lacazette fit in. And by fit in, I don’t just mean blend in. I mean stand out. In the best way possible.

Not only did Lacazette pound home a header less than two minutes into his professional debut, but throughout the course of the match, he did everything we’d want and then some. His footwork inside the box in tight areas was sensational and, dare I say, equal if not superior to Alexis Sanchez (it’s a small sample, I know).

His link up play and imagination was pristine and all while the Chilean was sitting in the stands nursing his abdominal strain.

I don’t think that Lacazette was ever called in to replace Alexis. But then again, I don’t think Alexis was ever meant to replace Olivier Giroud at striker at the start of last season ever. The point is, when you see something worth exploring, you damn well explore it.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

All preseason, the concept of a tandem combining the skills of Lacazette and Giroud seemed to be at the forefront of Arsene Wenger’s mind. He worked it well and it mimicked what Giroud and Antoine Griezmann were able to do in the 2016 Euros.

And we saw it again in their brief combination against Leicester City after the Giroud substitution. Lacazette, rather than playing point, drifted wide to where Alexis would normally be and guess what? There was no draw back.

Lacazette maintained 90% passing, he was only dispossessed twice and he was even getting in on the crossing game to solid effect.

At a time where we’re all trying to come to terms with the life after Alexis that is impending, this is someone who can help us overcome that frightening future.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Leicester City

We thought we were just getting a goal scorer, but he is proving to be so much more. And I know, it’s still incredibly early in the season. One whole match. But you can see the foundation of what he is capable of already and that is cause for excitement.

Home/Arsenal News