Lacazette’s brace lays solid foundations for Arsenal’s crucial week
Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal celebrates after scoring their first goal against Sheffield United. Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty
Sheffield United 0 Arsenal 3
At the start of a season-defining week for Mikel Arteta, he could at least begin with a straightforward victory and a long-awaited clean sheet to keep alive Arsenal’s hopes of European football.
The bigger test of staying in the Europa League will come on Thursday when they face Slavia Prague after conceding an away goal in the first leg of their quarter-final. They head into the tie on the back of a win after Alexandre Lacazette’s two goals and one by Gabriel Martinelli that showed why there have been calls for him to get more action.
Keeping a first clean sheet in 15 matches will be a relief to Arteta. It was done with a makeshift back line and against a team whose Premier League relegation will soon be confirmed, but they all count.
“This is ideal preparation, it’s a clean sheet after a long run and for the stability and spirit of the team it is great for Thursday,” Arteta said.
Such was Arteta’s fitness and illness problems, he picked Granit Xhaka as a stand-in left-back in a new combination to try to finally keep a clean sheet.
At least it allowed Bukayo Saka to spark further up the pitch and also see Martinelli start a Premier League game for the first time since January.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was suffering from flu, giving the young pair a chance to combine. Arteta’s issues have not been his talented forwards but keeping goals out at the other end. Saka came off with a dead leg in the second half but it appeared a precaution. Saka’s No 10 role added another string to his bow heading into the European Championship this summer. Gareth Southgate likes his versatility, with his inclusion for team meetings despite being injured during the international break seen as a sign he wants him to be prepared for the tournament. He can add this position to full-back, wing-back and wide forward to his CV.
It was no surprise that he was heavily involved in opening the scoring in the 33rd minute as Arsenal popped the ball around in front of the United penalty area. Saka made an incisive pass forward which was back-heeled by Dani Ceballos, allowing Lacazette to finish.
It was the France striker’s 14th goal of the season and a reminder of the Arsenal of old, attacking with confidence and efficiency.
Arsenal had been issuing warning signs before the goal, with John Egan required to clear off the line when Martinelli had set up Calum Chambers with an exciting run and cross. Arteta explained before the match there must be patience with Martinelli but Aubameyang’s absence could be a blessing if the 19-year-old Brazilian gets more opportunities.
United have been a bogey team for Arsenal and they had not won their previous four visits to Bramall Lane, although this time the hosts were going through the motions after the departure of Chris Wilder.
Paul Heckingbottom is seeing out the season with coach Jason Tindall close to him throughout in the technical area but the same players that took the Premier League by storm last season cannot wait for this campaign to end.
Saka took a knee to the thigh and came off for Willian but he stayed on the bench with an ice pack, rather than heading to the dressing room Arteta said: “I don’t know the extent. Let’s see how it develops in the next days with Bukayo, the last thing we need is another attacking midfielder injured.”
In their next move Martinelli tapped in Nicolas Pepe intercepted a pass and saw his shot saved by Ramsdale.
It was a neat coincidence that Martinelli’s previous start in the league was also when they kept a clean sheet but the South American’s game is all about attacking rather than tracking runners at the other end.
Lacazette’s second goal came when Thomas Partey danced through midfield and played through his team-mate, who finished with confidence after missing chances against Slavia.
“Against Prague he missed two big chances and needed those goals, we played him because of that and because he is playing well at the moment. It’s not about paying back, he’s having good performances,” said Arteta.
Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021]
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