Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s one decision that has guided Alexandre Lacazette to find his best form in the previous last four games. The Frenchman has scored five goals in the last four Arsenal games. After the 29-year-old failed to impress with his performance since the beginning of this season.
Just a month ago, there were disappointments and a lack of confidence over Lacazette’s ability to take care of the attacking system. Moreover, many fans wanted Arteta to drop the Frenchman off from Arsenal attacking area. A couple of weeks ago Arsenal was placed in 15th position in the Premier League where the North London outfit could only bag 15 goals in 15 matches.
Not only Lacazette but Pierre Emerick Aubameyang failed to continue scoring goals for Arsenal after signing the contract extension in the summer. There came moments of fear when Arsenal could face the relegation battle after rumbling on the poor form. Arsenal was even linked with a move for a new forward who could give a helping hand to the front warriors.
There was a time when the Arsenal fans were pressed very hard to regret turning down a suitable summer offer for Lacazette. There was a time when Arsenal could make an easy offload which the Gunners fans would have marked as a big mistake.
Lacazatte downturn at Arsenal
However, the world of football is unpredictable. Only a second is required to turn around the things. Alexandre Lacazette only scored three goals in 14 Premier League matches and losing his place to Eddie Nketiah. The 29-year-old decided to end the thought that his days at Emirates Stadium has come to end.
Now the Frenchman has five goals in his last four Premier League games. And after falling down drastically in the pecking order. He now stands firm and is placed above Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in the pecking order.
The former Lyon forward has never been very predictable in his Arsenal career. He has always been hideous and there is always something that he would reveal. Lacazette worked a lot harder for his team but his struggle was visible when he remained isolated for so long. Till Boxing day Gunners were trying to make an impact from midfield to attack.
Arsenal’s new formation resembles the one that was in Lyon
However, In his recent revival in form, there seems no good luck but rather one could say that the formation that Mikel Arteta chose to implement. It helped to bring the best out of Gunners number nine. If one could figure out then it is easy to find that at a moment Arsenal is set up the same way Lyon was during Lacazette’s final season with them.
Nabil Fekir used to provide the support to the center forward within a 4-2-3-1 formation and it is the same role that Emile Smith Rowe is playing in the last few Arsenal games. This makes Smith Rowe link up with the Frenchman right at the position wherever he drops.
During his time at Lyon, either Memphis Depay and Rachid Ghezzal were placed alongside Lacazette. They would cut in from the wings and operate in half-spaces. This formation allowed Lacazette to link play whilst providing him the space to operate in well. At Arsenal, it is Gabriel Martinelli or more recently Pierre Emerick Aubameyang along with Bukayo Saka.
After scoring twice in an Arsenal victory West Bromwich. Mikel Arteta expressed his happiness with the recent contribution made by the 29-year-old. He said that he’s delighted to see the new energy of the French forward at a moment. He is happy to see his recent form and with the recent goalscoring.
It is easy to comprehend that Mikel Arteta is aware of how to get the best out of the Frenchman. Something that Lacazette also admitted. He said that the coach knows his qualities and also that he likes to play short and help my teammates. Arsenal forward also said that he feels old when he leads the line packed with youthful talent.
