Arsenal: 3 reasons why Lacazette’s performance was special

3. A Desire to Lead

Lacazette is still more than likely going to leave Arsenal. He still should leave Arsenal when his contract expires.

But until the day his deal runs out he will lead the team with everything he has. Some may say he’s playing for a new contract, whether in north London or abroad, but so long as he maintains a level of performance and leads with the desire he showed against West Ham then that is all that can be asked of him.

He knows what it means to be a senior figure at the club. Every young player in the squad and all the new recruits always single him out as the man who puts an arm around them in training, advising them in every which way and supports them in their development.

Lacazette is a top professional, and against West Ham that showed in the way he conducted himself on that pitch. Yes he thrown himself to the floor extremely dramatically and gets in the referee’s face, but when his teammates crowd the ref he ushers them away as a captain should do. He was leading by example all evening, whether it be counter-pressing or tracking back.

Even some of the minor elements that seem frivolous, like back-to-back social media posts thanking the fans for their support, is the sign of someone who knows what his responsibilities are. Again, the sceptical may say it’s all PR, but he’s done it twice in the two matches Aubameyang has been absent now and it demonstrates an understanding of the duties he has at hand. Prior to those, he hadn’t posted since April.

What Arsenal need in this moment is a leader and even if this one is heading for the exit door, he’s the best this squad has got.