MIKEL ARTETA said ahead of this match he is relying on Alexandre Lacazette to fire Arsenal back into the Champions League.
Well, sorry Mikel, but on this evidence, you may well be left disappointed.
Alexandre Lacazette is still stuck on three Premier League goals this season
He huffed and puffed but is struggling to find his shooting boots
Don’t be blinded or fooled by the dramatic scenes in the 96th minute at the Emirates.
Yes, Lacazette had the initial shot which resulted in Arsenal’s clutch last-gasp winner.
Yes, he led the wild celebrations and took the adoration from the delirious home faithful.
Yes, Arteta headed straight to him after the full-time whistle seconds later as the Gunners moved within a point of fourth-placed Manchester United.
But let’s be honest, it was actually more of the same from the misfiring Gunner who scuffed his shot off Romain Saiss’ leg and Jose Sa’s wayward arm.
It officially went down as Sa’s own goal meaning the Frenchman has still managed just three Premier League goals all season.
That tally hasn’t changed since a penalty on Boxing Day.
Lacazette did his fair share of trying tonight against Wolves.
Yes, he huffed. Yes, he puffed.
But there was no way of blowing the Wolves defence’s house down before the huge stroke of luck off Sa’s arm.
Laca ditched his custom-made Despicable Me boots following the 1-0 win at Molineux two weeks ago to opt for a regular pair.
But to the frustration of all connected with Arsenal, these don’t appear to be his shooting boots either.
A combination of heroic Wolves blocking, decent goalkeeping and simply poor finishing denied the ex-Lyon man time and time again.
GUNNING FOR THE EXIT?
Lest we forget, this is an out-of-contract striker playing for his future, too.
All his admirable defensive work off the ball, link-up with team-mates and a rare experienced head in this young Gunners team, unfortunately, counts for nothing if you aren’t doing your primary job of sticking the ball in the net.
Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with replacing Lacazette in Arteta’s side next season.
But tonight’s opposition No9, Raul Jimenez, would be worth looking at, too.
Back at Arsenal for now, though.
Forget the hard work and never-say-die attitude – which was certainly admirable and creditworthy – this flukey finale must not mask over the reality.
Arteta needs Lacazette to be scoring regularly over the course of the next 14 matches.
It sounds harsh on a night of jubilation but there is a simple formula: no goals = no seat at Europe’s top table next term.
Lacazette played his part in the winning goal against Wolves
The elation was clear to see but the goal will go down as Jose Sa’s
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/football/premier-league/chelsea-star-kepa-believes-he-should-face-liverpool-in-carabao-cup-final-after-missing-out-on-club-world-cup/
