#4 He’ll fit into the Arsenal set up
Lacazette has only just turned 26, in comparison to a 30-year-old Olivier Giroud who, despite having a reasonable campaign for the Gunners last season, still looks off the pace on counter-attacks when flanked by the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
However, Lacazette will fit in with Arsenal’s counter-attacking play as well as the various formations that the Gunners play. Whether it is Arsenal’s traditional four at the back or the newly adopted three at the back we saw late last season, Lacazette has the attributes to be an important striker for the side.
Arsenal currently have a lot of pace on each flank; when playing three at the back Lacazette may have Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Hector Bellerin bombing down the right flank or Nacho Monreal and new boy Sead Kolasinac on the left side as they assume wing-back positions. Meanwhile, with four at the back, Lacazette could see more traditional wingers alongside him in the form of Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott and Welbeck.
His injection of pace as well his ability to dribble out of tight spots will make him a serious concern for opposition defences. Arsenal’s playing style has simply not suited Giroud who looks to get on the end of crosses, but with a cross completion rate of just 22% last season, it is clear that Arsenal could not make their play fit his strengths.
Giroud’s style differs to that of Lacazette who looks to pick up the ball and help make his own chances, who, with brilliant control on the ball and great strength, is able to work his own way through opposition defences to create goals. Such ability has been rewarded in Ligue 1, with the Frenchman featuring in the ‘Team of The Year’ on three occasions.
