ALEX LACAZETTE has his swagger back — thanks to a long hard look in the mirror.
The 29-year-old has been leading Arsenal’s recent revival after a crisis of confidence earlier in the season.
Lacazette has re-found his form at Arsenal over recent gamesCredit: AP:Associated Press
And boss Mikel Arteta wants the French striker to maintain his fine form at Wolves tonight.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has only just returned to training after visiting his seriously-ill mother in France last week.
In his absence, Lacazette has picked up the goalscoring mantle to become the first Gunner into double figures this season.
Arteta said: “Laca is in better form and that is linked to the confidence from playing and scoring.
“When our players are going through difficult moments we have to be right behind them.
“We talk to them and give them the tools to resolve the issues they are going through.
“In Laca’s case, it was related to being better in his movement and his body language.
“He’s done that by committing himself to working hard.
“When his confidence improved he became a different player.”
Lacazette went off in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United after a blow to the head while challenging Harry Maguire.
Arteta said: “We have had to follow the concussion protocols.
“But he was completely fine after the game, he was fine the following day and slept well.
“I am expecting him to be able to play at Wolves.”
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Lacazette netted in Arsenal’s win over Southampton last weekCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsenal are unbeaten in seven Premier League games, yet remain tenth.
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher said there was ‘no way’ they would get into the top four after the United draw.
But Arteta added: “It’s far too early to say what will happen. You see surprise results every week.
“There are still many points to play for and if we can stay consistent we will have a bigger chance to fight for our goals.”
ARSENAL (likely): Leno; Bellerin, Holding, Gabriel, Cedric; Partey, Xhaka; Pepe, Smith Rowe, Willian; Lacazette.
WOLVES (likely): Patricio, Boly, Coady, Kilman; Traore, Dendoncker, Neves, Semedo; Podence, Jose, Neto.
Wolves vs Arsenal – Watch LIVE for FREE, channel info and kick-off time
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
