Arsenal Vs Ostersunds: Alexandre Lacazette is needed

As Danny Welbeck toiled to lead the Arsenal line in the 3-0 win over FK Ostersunds on Thursday night, one thing became apparent: Alexandre Lacazette is needed.

Thursday night was Danny Welbeck’s chance. His playing time has dwindled significantly this season, particularly in his most favoured position as the central striker, and his standing in the squad has been called into question. So when it was realised that he was the only available senior centre-forward for Arsenal’s Swedish endeavours, it was clear for all to see that his chance had come.

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In the increasingly competitive modern footballing world, chances to prove oneself are rare. There is an unforgiving streak in football, one that does not tolerate continued disappointment. Welbeck, now at 27 years of age, was certainly reaching the end of his wick.

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Unfortunately for him, all he showed was the stark difference between an industrious, hard-working but limited centre-forward and the ruthless, cutting, clinical strikers that pervade Europe’s elite clubs. While Arsenal ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against FK Ostersunds, much of that work came from a fluid, interchangeable midfield, not the mobility, pace, power and finishing of Welbeck.

Welbeck, to his credit, provided a reason for his diffident display:

"“I’ve had injuries in the past and it was a 3G pitch. You hear stories about playing on those pitches with an injury. It was a little bit hard.”"

As a player who has struggled with injuries, and who only just returned from a knee issue at the weekend, it is easy to understand his hesitancies of playing on a brutally cold evening on a pitch renowned for the potential damage that it causes, especially to the knees, after travelling to Europe to play in a hostile, unforgiving environment.

But that does not excuse the lack of quality in his play. A miscued header, a skied first-time, open-up-the-body effort, misguided decisions in distribution. Although this was from a lumbering performance by Welbeck, there were plenty of mistakes to be found.

Perhaps the most telling conclusion to be drawn, then, is the need for the man he replaced, Alexandre Lacazette. There is a cold, metallic, obdurate streak that all top-tier strikers boast. It is something that Welbeck has never possessed. For all of his natural traits, his physical presence, his pace, his power, his clever touches, intelligent movement, and sound technique, the ability to score has never been his forte.

Primarily, it comes down to a lack of self-belief and assurance. He makes poor decisions; his striking of the ball is limp, lacking conviction and surety. Against teams like Ostersunds, Arsenal have enough quality elsewhere to create an inordinate number of chances to simply overwhelm the opposition. The same cannot be said down the Europa League line. There will be better teams to overcome.

Next: Arsenal Vs Ostersunds: 5 things we learned

That is where Lacazette is required. For all of his recent struggles, he does boast that ice-cold nature that all goalscorers must have. Welbeck is fine. But he will not be sufficient later down the line. Let’s hope Lacazette’s recovery is a swift one.