Andy Cole has suggested that Mikel Arteta doesn’t have a place for Alexandre Lacazette in his team and that he doesn’t trust the 29-year-old.
Lacazette was left on the bench yesterday as the Gunners returned to Premier League action with a 0-0 draw away to Leeds United.
It was suggested by the former United striker that the Spaniard hasn’t got trust in the star as he voiced his surprise on talkSPORT.
Cole said: “I am surprised that he doesn’t really have a position for Lacazette. Yes [after being told it looks like he doesn’t fancy him].”
“If you look at his record, he will score goals. If the team is set up right, he will score goals. I think even ever since Arteta has taken over. I don’t think he has given him a proper run. 10-12 games. ‘Go on, you are going to play week in and week out for the next 10-12 games’.” (via talkSPORT (22/11/20 at 3:35 pm)
Is Lacazette good enough to play for Arsenal?
Yes
No
It’s quite an incredible opinion to hold especially given how many opportunities the Frenchman has had under the former Manchester City coach. If anything I would say Arteta has placed too much trust in an incompetent finisher, who is very hit or miss.
The number nine started six of the first eight league games prior to yesterday, and given how badly he performed following the Liverpool game, I would say too much trust was placed in him.
Whilst Lacazette did start the season on fire with three goals in his first three games, he has been abysmal in recent games. He showed with his displays against Leicester City and Aston Villa just why he is hauled off in the 70th minute so often. The 5’9 former Lyon striker didn’t just miss opportunities, but glaring ones from within the penalty box.
I am of the opinion that it’s time to place trust in the other two strikers Arsenal possess, Eddie Nketiah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. One has proven to be a world-class finisher during his time in various European leagues, meanwhile, the other has been in incredible form when going on international duty.
In other news, two Arsenal players were involved in a heated clash during training.
