Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Crystal Palace: 5 things we learned – Slick, smooth football enthralls

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal with Mesut Ozil and team mates during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal with Mesut Ozil and team mates during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 20: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates scoring his side’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 20: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates scoring his side’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 20, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

4. Alexandre Lacazette gets his goal

Alexandre Lacazette had failed to score in every one of his last nine games. For any striker, that is a worrying dry run; for a striker of Lacazette’s ilk, whose game relies heavily on the ability to consistently find the back of the net, it is extremely concerning.

Initially, the worries were a little overblown. He was still playing well in open play, his movement was still sharp, and he was still enjoying chances, even if he was wasting them. But as the drought extended, his shoulders drooped, his confidence slipped away, and his performances tailed off. So his goal against Palace is extremely significant.

The goal itself was a lovely move. Mesut Ozil was at the heart of it, sharing one-twos with both Alex Iwobi and Jack Wilshere before flicking a perfect lay-off into the path of the Frenchman. It was then simply up to Lacazette to sweep home the first-time finish from just inside the penalty area. And now it is reasonable to expect to kick on. He was noticeably different after the goal. His play was more energised; his attitude was positive and attacking. Let’s hope that that now continues.