‘It’s a shame’: Arteta says ‘top’ Arsenal player ‘really deserved’ a goal against West Ham

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Alexandre Lacazette after his performance against West Ham United at the Emirates last night.

The Gunners dominated the game from start to finish. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe gave them the three points, but Lacazette, according to SofaScore, was the best player on the pitch.

The Frenchman, who wore the captain’s armband again, led the side brilliantly. His pressing was excellent, he linked play up really well and did everything right apart from missing his penalty.

Arteta was quizzed about Lacazette’s display last night and the Gunners boss was beyond thrilled.

Arsenal boss Arteta praises Lacazette after win over West Ham

Speaking to Arsenal.com after the game, Arteta heaped praise on Lacazette.

He said: “He was top today again. His intensity, his link-up play, his understanding of the spaces, how he makes everybody better around him.

“It’s a shame he didn’t score the goal because he really deserved a goal today.”

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After everything that happened to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Lacazette had to step up. He had to show the world that he can lead Arsenal well against the good sides, and he did exactly that last night.

His assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s brilliant opening goal deserves a lot of credit and the way he found himself in little pockets of space throughout the game was outstanding as well. He really put in a shift yesterday, but he should’ve scored.

Lacazette had a couple of opportunities in the first half but his best chance came from the spot. He should’ve outwitted Lukasz Fabianski, but the ex-Arsenal man went the right way and saved the shot.

It will be interesting to see if Lacazette will remain on penalty duty going forward.