Arsenal: Regardless, Alexandre Lacazette succeeded in first season

Arsenal have had to weather some serious questions regarding Alexandre Lacazette, but no matter what, the Frenchman succeeded.

It wasn’t the smoothest first season Arsenal have ever seen, and given how quickly Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang settled in, it no doubt looks even more tumultuous, but all things considered, the first season of Alexandre Lacazette is no longer out – it has been ruled a success.

The big questions began to emerge as his confidence seeped away from being subbed off too early and too often. His superb finishing began to falter and, just like that, the early exit rumors settled in. People actually thought he’d leave after a year.

That got more tough to look away from when Aubameyang arrived and Lacazette underwent knee surgery. All immediate and future endeavors were massively cast into question and, in return, we watched Aubameyang score with ease right from the start.

Related Story: Arsenal vs Huddersfield Predicted XI

There is always a lot of talk about the acclimation period, and how long it takes guys to settle. So often you will see players, especially high-quality, confidence-drive players, start off on a tear, then struggle as opposing defenses catch up with him.

That was the case with Lacazette this year, only his mid-season slump involved surgery and an immediate rival.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

But in the end, what has become of Lacazette’s season is a major positive. 17 goals and four assists across all competitions may not be the greatest return in the world, but for a new striker that has shown his ability to do more than strike, while simultaneously combine to perfection with his new rival?

That undoubtedly counts as a success.

Lacazette has shown in recent matches what he confidence can do to overall build up play, as his link-up abilities are superb and he possesses the understated ability to create consistent chances, which is one hell of a gift at striker.

Not just that, but he is only turning 27 this month, with nowhere to go but up. If nothing else, we have seen a tantalizing tease of what Lacazette can reach. He showed so many skills that were related to helping the team as a whole, rather than just scoring goals, and in the end, that counts just as much as the cold hard stats.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Leicester City

21 goals contributions across the board with two months out and, let’s be honest, poor management early on. I would call that a successful season if ever there was one.