Arsenal do sometimes finish a football match without having hit the back of the net, or like in our Premier League away game at Stoke this season finish with a zero to our name despite hitting the back of the net, but you would usually bet on the Gunners to score at least once.
The man whose goal against the Potters was harshly ruled offside has not let it bother him, though, and after another two goals in our Monday night win over West Brom, Alexandre Lacazette is starting to look the part at his new club. He played down the importance of his own goals and refused to get too worked up about his own importance, which I like, as he clearly sees that scoring goals is his job and it would only be notable if he was failing to do so.
What I liked even more about his post match comments reports in The Mirror this week was the way he attached more importance to the improved organisation of the Arsenal side in recent games, especially on the defensive side of things.
The France international forward said, “It is no big deal. It is not the kind of record I am looking for. I am not especially looking for records. I am looking for stability with the team and this evening was better and better.
“We are unbeaten in September. We have reorganised ourselves defensively and everyone is working together and that is how you can see the difference.
“Everything is not perfect, but against West Brom we had possession, we did not concede. We scored. Even if I think we can do better, it is good already.
“We knew that hard work would pay off and that is what we are doing. Let’s not get over-excited and carry on.”
Hardly surprising, I suppose, to hear that Lacazette wants the team not to concede, because that takes pressure off the attacking players. Concede once and they have to find the net twice for Arsenal to win, while clean sheets help every player to relax and play with confidence and freedom.
Has the new man got just the right attitude, as well as the talent, to help Arsenal succeed?
Bob.