Arsenal Tactics: Alexandre Lacazette tracking back to earn that No. 9 shirt

Alexandre Lacazette’s commitment to tracking back defensively against Fulham may have rivaled his goals. Is this a new commitment to his work rate, or the next level of Arsenal tactics under manager Unai Emery?

Alexandre Lacazette was fouled in the fifth minute while holding up possession. While this is part of his job, he was in our half when it happened, helping Arsenal build from the back. So early in the game, I thought nothing of it.

In the 14th minute, Lacazette and Danny Welbeck teamed up to dispossess defender Le Marchand in midfield. After a few passes, they nearly brought in Alex Iwobi down the left. Laca was looking hungry.

Then, in the 37th minute, I started to take notice: Lacazette and Granit Xhaka, crowding Zambo Anguissa off the ball… at the edge of our area. It was Next-Level tracking back. Fulham were looking over their shoulders.

Finally, in the 56th minute, with Arsenal leading 2-1, Fulham started picking up the intensity of their play. They were moving the ball faster, sustaining possession longer, and our defenders were looking flat-footed. Enter Lacazette. Tracking back deeper and deeper into our half, he was able to nick possession off their play maker Vietto, who gave away a free kick to relieve the pressure.

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Is this the new normal? Tell me this is the new normal! Against Watford, tracking back was rarely present until Welbeck came on as a sub in the 77th minute. It was Welbeck’s effort to intercept a pass in midfield that led to Lacazette assisting Ozil for our second. It was arguably our best passage of play.

Against Everton, he was more involved, especially defending set pieces. But in terms of tracking back and being a nuisance? Seeing him substituted out for Iwobi in the 56th minute might answer that.

So what changed? We did play 4-4-2. And Danny Welbeck started. Seeing him on the team sheet announces Work Rate. While I am sure arguments can be made for both, Lacazette has shown, in moments, that he can do the work; against Fulham, he put it all together.

Maybe Emery issued a challenge: If you want the full-time Arsenal No. 9 shirt, you need to “put in a shift.”