Arsenal Vs CSKA Moscow: 5 things we learned – Fabulous but flawed

4. Alexandre Lacazette with confidence is a wonderful thing

While he may have tailed off a little in the second half, Alexandre Lacazette was excellent for much of the 74 minutes that he spent on the pitch. His two goals will take the plaudits, making that three in a little over 100 minutes of football since his return from injury, though two of those are from the penalty spot, but it was his overall play that was so impressive.

Lacazette held the ball up exquisitely throughout, only losing possession here and there with loose first touches. He has shown a deceptive strength in his hold-up play, with a low centre-of-gravity, and brings other into the attacking move nicely. It was his clever touch and protection of the ball that led to the third goal after Mesut Ozil’s flick, while he was always looking to drop deep and get involved in front of the CSKA defence.

In a word, this was a confident performance from Lacazette. He was happy to take risks. He believed in his ability and was convinced that whatever he attempted would come off, even if it didn’t. His finish for his second goal was clever with a lovely first touch preceding it, and his decision-making was assertive and intentional. A confident Lacazette is a wonderful thing.