Arsenal beat West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday thanks to a solitary goal from Alexandre Lacazette in the 78th minute. And right now, there’s a big debate if Mikel Arteta will name him in the first XI in midweek.
Next up, Arsenal take on Manchester City at the Etihad stadium and there are some doubts over Lacazette’s selection in this game.
The Frenchman has scored seven goals this season for the Gunners which is without a muted performance given the player is the main frontman for the club.
So in order to freshen things up a bit, Mikel Arteta decided to use Eddie Nketiah upfront during the Gunners last two outings.
The youngster started the games against Portsmouth and then against the Hammers and there’s a chance that he could once again lead the line vs Manchester City as well.
But now though, the manager has hinted that it could be Alexandre Lacazette who might get back his role in the first XI but not for his efforts on the pitch.
The manager said in his press conference: “It’s not because of the fact he scored, it’s because of the way he trains every day.
“The way he’s trying, the way he played even when he wasn’t scoring. He’s always at his best, training, his attitude is top.
“The same with the others so they all have a chance.”
Alexandre Lacazette has been really average all throughout the season and the introduction of Nketiah is a clear hint that the Frenchman cannot take his place in the side for granted.
Also, Manchester City have looked really shaky in defence without Aymeric Laporte so Arteta would want someone like Lacazette to introduce some physicality in the match in order to trouble the City backline.
