Arsenal Vs West Ham United: 3 positives despite poor performance

2. Lacazette recovering his confidence

It has certainly not been the easiest period for Alexandre Lacazette. More than two months without a goal, a crisis in confidence, dropped from the starting XI for a 20-year-old who only returned from a loan spell weeks before. It is not how things should pan out for your star striker.

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But slowly and surely, there have been signs of recovery. He shanked a goal against Newcastle United, he added another against Olympiakos in midweek, he then produced an okay performance in the second leg, and from coming off the bench against West Ham here, he showcased what his true value to the team is.

Obviously, he scored the only goal of the game, a calm volley into the bottom corner from close range. But more pertinent than that was the improvement in his all-around play. His touch was purposeful and well-controlled, he looked strong and powerful as he backed into West Ham defenders, his passing was pinpoint, attempting to instigate attacks as he spun and released teammates. This was the old Lacazette.

If the Frenchman can rediscover his Player of the Season form from last year, replicating it throughout the remainder of the season, Arsenal might finally unlock what should be a terrifying offensive unit. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has had to carry this team for much of the season, but with Lacazette beginning to find his confidence once more, that might be about to change.