Arsenal
Why Emery must start Lacazette and Aubameyang in subsequent matches
Despite scoring against Tottenham last Sunday, France international striker Alexandre Lacazette was shockingly left out of the starting lineup by Unai Emery against Manchester United last night.
Instead, the Spaniard started Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as the lone striker and he was flanked by Alex Iwobi, who had a quiet game yet again.
The highly competitive clash at Old Trafford ended in a 2-2 draw as no side were able to pick maximum points after 90 minutes of action.
The Gunners took the lead in the first half via Shkodran Mustafi’s header which went straight to the net, thanks to De Gea’s howler.
However, in-form Anthony Martial restored parity after a shocking defensive display from the Gunners before the break.
After five yellow cards and lots of missed chances in the opening half, Emery — just like he did against Tottenham — made an attacking substitution by bringing the Lacazette into the game.
Aubameyang, who has had a fairly good performance, becomes more adventurous as he fires from all angles seeking to put his team ahead.
Despite all his efforts, the former BVB star couldn’t find the back of the net, rather, it was Lacazette’s goal that gave them the lead once more.
Lacazette saw his ball get past David de Gea after a slight defection off Marcos Rojo.
The goal didn’t just give the Gunners the lead but also showed Emery why he should be starting alongside Aubameyang.
Since Aubameyang’s switch to the Emirates Stadium last season, both players have led the team’s attack in 1050 minutes of action and they’ve been able to score more goals than any striking partnership in the League.
With Aubameyang’s goalscoring prowess coupled with his unselfishness, the Gabonese striker is surely the perfect player to join the Frenchman at the final third of the pitch.
Lacazette’s ability to hold on the ball for long will give Aubameyang the chance to move for passes that could lead to many goals.
Iwobi, Mkhitaryan and maybe Nketiah have put up some lively performances this season, however, Lacazette remains the best man to partner the Gabonese striker.
