Albert Sambi Lokonga says Arsenal have a player whose mentality is ‘fire’

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Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has waxed lyrical about Alexandre Lacazette following his performance on Monday night.

The Gunners hosted Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium and were lucky to finish the game with a point.

Arsenal went ahead after eight minutes, Vicente Guaita palming Nicolas Pepe’s curling effort into the path of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who duly volleyed home.

However, the visitors equalised early in the second half through Christian Benteke, who took full advantage of an Arsenal defensive mishap to claim the ball and fire home.

Odsonne Edouard then struck a powerful effort over Aaron Ramsdale and in off the bar to put Palace ahead on 74 minutes.

Just as it looked as though Palace were heading for a famous win, they failed to clear a corner in the 95th minute and paid the price.

In the ensuing scramble, Lacazette – who had come on as a second-half substitute – struck for a share of the spoils.

The Frenchman’s future at Arsenal is uncertain amid a lack of game time and a contract which expires in the summer.

And even though it remains to be seen how much longer Lacazette has at the club, he’s certainly doing his bit to contribute.

Lokonga praised his teammate for bringing “fire” to the pitch and urged his teammates to bring that same mentality to their respective games.

“I think Lacazette did well today,” BBC Sport quotes the Belgium international as saying.

“He backed me, he backed the team.

“I think when we come on we have to bring this mentality that Lacazette did.

“I think he brought fire when he came on and that’s what we need to try to do every time somebody comes on.”