Arsenal: 3 reasons why Lacazette’s performance was special

2. Lacazette Was Turning & Running With the Ball

Seriously, what?!?!

Above everything else Lacazette did on the night, nothing stood out more than the moments where he didn’t just collect possession with a man on his back to then feed someone else or win a foul, but instead turned and carried the ball.

It was like the Lyon Lacazette.

Confidence may have played a part after the first goal as he was one-touch flicking his way past markers and driving at the goal from deep like he was 22 years old again. It’s a side of his game we haven’t seen for an age.

Not only was it refreshing, it was also a crucial pressure valve during a stage where West Ham were being more adventurous on the ball. Providing an out ball that not only stuck in position but moved up the field helped Arsenal regain control in some of the less dominant spells of the game.

Just as this was the most complete performance under Arteta, it felt similarly so for the captain. Linking play and winning fouls in his usual manner, he wasn’t afraid to be more of a centre-forward with his hold-up play and carries towards the box.

Where did that come from?

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