Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal selection claim over Alexandre Lacazette

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Arsenal Mikel Arteta has suggested to Football London that Alexandre Lacazette could start for the Gunners against Manchester City tomorrow night.

The 28-year-old stepped off the bench on Saturday to score the only goal of a 1-0 win over West Ham United.

It was the Frenchman’s ninth goal of the season in all competitions and gives boss Arteta food for thought.

Eddie Nketiah began the game in attack on Saturday but Arteta insists he is happy with Lacazette.

He told Football London: “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.”

Lacazette cost Arsenal £46.5 million back in 2017 from Lyon and since arriving he has 45 goals in 114 appearances.

For the first time in his Gunners career, however, he has started to come under fire from some sections of the Arsenal support.

Arteta must try and do with Lacazette what he has with Shkodran Mustafi and keep his spirits high.

The German has benefitted from a coach who has given him the confidence to get over his poor form and start hitting the ground running.

Lacazette is paid £182,000-a-week by Arsenal and on his day he is still a feared marksman at Premier League level.

That killer touch in front of goal isn’t something that strikers lose overnight and Arteta will know it’s his job to get the very best out of him.