ANDY COLE reckons Mikel Arteta showed scant regard for Alexandre Lacazette after opting for Willian over the France star up front in Arsenal’s defeat at Manchester City.
And the former Manchester United ace criticised the Gunners manager’s selection, decision describing it as ‘disrespectful’ towards the French striker.
Andy Cole reckons Alexandre Lacazette should have started for Arsenal against Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Willian, who won five trophies with Chelsea usually playing on the wing, featured up top for Arsenal in their 1-0 loss to Man City on Saturday.
Cole, 49, told talkSPORT: “Willian is not a centre-forward. I think he is being disrespectful to Lacazette as well.
“If you have got a centre-forward on the bench who is your top goalscorer as well, to turn around and say, ‘Look, I am going to play Willian as the centre-forward. You sit on the bench and watch him play centre-forward’.
“I think that is very disrespectful.”
Despite working his socks off as Arsenal’s centre forward Willian failed to make a huge impact away from the wing.
WhoScored revealed the Brazil ace, 32, was able to make just two key passes despite having a 95.2 per passing accurate rate.
The Brazilian, who was outstanding in his debut for the Gunners in their first win of the season, was eventually replaced by Lacazette, 29, in the 68th minute.
The Gunners, who beat Pep Guardiola’s side in the FA Cup semis last term, struggled to break down his thoroughly organised City players in the final third at the weekend.
Willian struggled up top at times for Arsenal during their loss to Man CityCredit: AP:Associated Press
Lacazette fared little better at the Etihad.
And the Frenchman, who has netted three times in four Premier League appearances, for the Gunners so far this term, had a pass accuracy of just 40 per cent.
Arsenal boss Arteta will be looking for improvement in his side’s attack in their next two matches.
The Gunners take on Rapid Vienna in Austria on Thursday before facing Leicester at home in the Prem on Sunday.
Arteta opens door for Arsene Wenger to return to Arsenal after helping shape club into Premier League giants
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
