Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was under immense pressure after failing to deliver the results. Be it home or away, picking up even a point looked far more difficult. This is their worst ever start to their Premier League campaign since 1974.
The Spaniard couldn’t inflict zeal, zest, and confidence into his players. The end results serve as a testament to the fact. However, a 3-1 win over Chelsea on Boxing Day gave the Gunners a much-needed boost to resurrect their form.
The Gunners put on a rock-solid display against the Blues. They collected 3 points after a long time at the Emirates. After a home win, the Gunners traveled to Falmer Stadium to play against Brighton.
Arteta’s boys struggled to penetrate Brighton’s defense as they couldn’t score a goal in the first half. The players ended up complicating themselves by passing the ball sideways.
Despite being on the receiving end in the first half, they played a fearless brand of football in the second half. They showed a lot of intent and character and channelized their aggression in the right way to score a goal.
Alexandre Lacazette came from the bench and scored the much-needed goal when it mattered the most. Bukayo Saka deserves a certificate of excellence for an extraordinary assist. He was named the man of the match. After a long time, Arsenal secured consecutive wins in the Premier League.
Arteta hails Lacazette
Lacazette was not even in the starting XI but yet he made an impact just seconds after coming out to play as a substitute. His vital goal helped Arsenal seal a perfect win over Brighton.
The France international is the leading goalscorer for Arsenal across all competitions this season. He has netted as many as 7 goals. Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arteta heaped praise on Lacazette.
The Spaniard added that Lacazette scored a crucial goal despite having a sore back. The 29-year-old forward also scored a goal against Chelsea when he converted the penalty to better effect.
“I think he has been in a really good form in the last few weeks. He is full of confidence. Today he had a sore back, so he couldn’t start the game. He came on and won the game for us which is of massive importance,” Arteta said while addressing the reporters at the press conference.
Lacazette’s work rate has never been an issue: Arsenal manager
The manager also added that the 29-year-old forward has been working very hard since he took charge at the club. “I think Laca has been working really hard since I have been here. His work rate has never been a problem. The goalscoring record could improve.
But it’s improving because he’s so willing to do it for us – he finished the game against Chelsea with some pain and we had the opportunity to refresh that and use him in other moments,” Arteta said.
