Garth Crooks comments on Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette

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Garth Crooks has told his BBC Sport Team of the Week column that Mikel Arteta should take notice of Alexandre Lacazette’s brace for Arsenal against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday – by playing the Frenchman in his correct position.

Lacazette, 29, took his tally to nine goals in 19 games for the season with two first-time finishes from close range as the Gunners blew West Brom away in the snow. Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney also found the back of the net at The Hawthorns.

The 16-time France international has been used in a 10 role at times this season, as Arteta looked to find the best system that brought the best out of his Arsenal players. But Lacazette is clearly a number nine and proved as much on Saturday.

Crooks has questioned Arteta’s usage of Lacazette at times this season after including the ex-Lyon man in his BBC Sport TOTW. He feels the Spaniard should now continue to play Lacazette as a number nine, and play players in their natural positions.

“It shouldn’t be difficult to play a player in his right position. However, it seems Arteta has struggled to get a grasp of the obvious at times. He has mixed and matched players, and even tried to put square pegs in round holes on occasions,” Crooks said.

“Lacazette is a natural centre-forward and any other consideration is nonsense. It’s not complicated. The striker’s two goals suggest Arteta would do well to leave him where he is. His perpetual tamperings have cost him in the past.”

TBR’s view – Lacazette needs to be playing up top

Of Arsenal’s strikers, £182,000-a-week (Spotrac) Lacazette is the best number nine. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a top striker but needs to be up front with someone else – given he lacks the strength to compete with centre-backs by himself.

Eddie Nketiah is good, but still improving and probably needs a loan spell. Gabriel Martinelli is just as good out wide as he is up front. Lacazette is a number nine, and is Arsenal’s best option to play up front in Arteta’s system. Case closed.