MIKEL ARTETA is backing Alexandre Lacazette to end his goal struggles after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s red-card appeal was kicked out.
Arsenal hoped to overturn talisman Aubameyang’s three-match ban for a wild tackle on Max Meyer during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Arteta is hoping Lacazette can replace Aubameyang for his three-game ban
Arsenal’s top scorer Aubameyang is banned for three gamesCredit: Reuters
But their request was given short shrift by the FA, which means the Gabon star will miss league games against Sheffield United and Chelsea as well as the FA Cup tie at Bournemouth.
Aubameyang has scored 48 per cent of all Arsenal’s Premier League goals this season — and all but three of their goals away from home.
And ahead of hosting the Blades on Saturday, boss Arteta admitted: “It has been confirmed we are going to lose Auba for three games and that is really bad news for us.
“It was a completely accidental action, in my opinion, but unfortunately he mistimed his tackle and we have to accept the decision.
“He was very sad after the game and disappointed that he left us with ten men. But Auba has been superb under me, he’s trained very well and he’s working so hard.
“He’s been scoring regularly and has probably been the most important player on the team.
“So it’s a big shame and a big loss for us because we all know Auba’s intentions whenever he plays.”
Now Arteta will discover how his team will cope without their £60million captain, who shared the Premier League Golden Boot last season and has scored 16 times in all competitions this time.
The Spaniard admitted: “I hope we’re not going to suffer without Auba and other players have to step up.
“When one of your big players is not there, it’s up to the others to take responsibility. I’m sure when some players aren’t in the team, they want a chance and they talk about it.
“Well, now it’s time to do the talking on the pitch, to come in and make the same impact as the player you are replacing and to show me that you are as good as him or even better.”
Nobody will be under greater pressure to deliver against Sheffield United on Saturday than the out-of-touch Lacazette.
The £52m Frenchman has not scored in his last six appearances for Arsenal and has managed just five league goals all season.
Arteta admitted: “His lack of goals is a concern for me if it’s a concern for him. He’s missed chances in recent games and he could easily have put four or five goals together.
“That’s a little bit strange for him — but players do have these ups and downs.
“And I think he’s still going to be a very important player for us. In terms of his performances, I am really happy with his contribution.
“His work out of position has been phenomenal, he’s sensing goals for the team and creating situations for his team-mates.
“I can try to help him by talking to him and giving him confidence. But the ball still has to end up in the net and that is clearly the best medicine for all strikers.
“What we have to do as a team is put Laca in positions where he can have as many opportunities as possible during the game.
“But it’s not just down to him. Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Martinelli… whoever plays on Saturday has to step in and be ready to make a difference for the team.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta comments on Aubameyang’s three-match ban
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
