Sometimes in football, there are events that cause the footballing community to just stop and admire. Appreciate the the beauty that has unfolded in front of their eyes. Gobsmacking goals, astounding assists or just all-round unstoppable performances: when the world is witness to these, the best thing one can do is applaud and feel honored.
One such performance comes from Arsenal front-man Alexandre Lacazette, who was influential in the Gunners’ 3-1 home-leg win against Valencia in the Europa League semi-finals.
Arsenal required an inspired Lacazette showing to dig them out of trouble as they conceded an away goal to Valencia just after ten minutes. Lacazette single-handedly turned the tie on its head just fifteen minutes after the Valencia goal, helping Arsenal to a 2-1 half-time lead thanks to a brace from the Frenchman.
His first came from a counter-attack that was started and finished by him. Driving into the opposition half, Laca released Aubameyang with a perfectly weighted pass, before Auba cut back the ball for the Frenchman, who continued his run to pass the ball into a virtually open net.
His second came from a cross from Granit Xhaka. Having peeled off his marker, Lacazette headed the ball into the ground and it crossed the line after being pushed onto the post. Arsenal dominated the game for the most part and took a big stride towards the final after an Aubameyang goal late in the game sealing a 3-1 win.
Lacazette’s stellar performance was well received by the football community and particularly by Arsenal fans and drew rapturous responses from compatriots from Samuel Umtiti and Antoine Griezmann.
The Barca center-back and Atletico Madrid front-man were amazed by what they witnessed and they posted their responses on Twitter, using emoji’s to convey their appreciation for their compatriot, who ran the show the Gunners on the night.
https://twitter.com/LacazetteAlex/status/1124080172087545856
https://twitter.com/LacazetteAlex/status/1124080118635347968
Arsenal will be hoping for more stellar performances from their main man as they push for silverware and a CL place in the final stages of the league. Is Alex Lacazette the most under-rated striker in the Premier League?