Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Spurs: 5 things we learned – Arsene Wenger got it wrong

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 10: Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his side's first goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal reacts following a missed chance during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal reacts following a missed chance during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

3. Alexandre Lacazette struggles again

Alexandre Lacazette has lost his starting place. That much is clear. When Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was signed for a club-record £56 million, it was not clear whether he would partner or usurp Lacazette. Seemingly, it is the latter.

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But that does not mean that Lacazette’s role in the squad is not a valuable one. As Olivier Giroud himself proved, a late-game striker to introduce from off the bench is a crucial asset to have. Lacazette had the chance to do that in this game. He did the very opposite.

He was camped in an offside position, getting caught three times, more than anyone else on the pitch, even though he played less than 30 minutes, including two occasions in which he most certainly should not have been so lazy and careless, and he missed chances. Neither are good.

He will be heavily criticised for his wasteful latter attempt, sliding a low shot across the goal and past the far post when in behind the Spurs’ defence. It may be a little harsh. It was not as easy as some would have you believe. But this is a £47 million centre-forward, renowned for his apparent goalscoring prowess. Harry Kane scores that goal. That is a problem.