Lucas Perez, the Spanish striker signed by Arsenal in the summer transfer window from Deportivo La Coruna, is still waiting for his first Premier League goal. Given the fact that he has only made five league appearances and just one from the start, however, I do not think we can be too hard on him for that.
It does appear that the 28-year old is taking a bit of time to get used to his new club and the challenges of playing in the English Premier League but he has shown some good signs, such as the Champions League hat-trick against Basel and the EFL cup brace against Nottingham Forest.
He does also have an assist in the EPL and he really should have had another from the win over West Brom, as he put in a peach of a ball across the six yard that was begging for any touch to take it in. That was not the forward’s only moment of class either, as he impressed in a good 20 minute cameo off the bench at the end.
I reckon that Lucas has given Arsene Wenger a lot to think about as the boss prepares for the visit of Crystal Palace, especially if Theo Walcott is not going to be able to play. I think that it might be a good idea to start the Spaniard and that would allow Alexis Sanchez to go central and Olivier Giroud could be ready to do his super sub job if needed.
Even if Walcott plays I think there is a case to be made for Lucas to start ahead of Alex Iwobi, who is showing some great skills but needs to be sharper in front of goal. Lucas is a goal scorer and that could be vital in what I expect to be another tight game. What do you guys think?
Bob.