Arsenal fell to a second successive defeat in the Premier League on Saturday as Brighton came away from the Emirates with a 2-1 win. It was another game where the Gunners offered little going forward and striker Alexandre Lacazette attracted much of the criticism throughout the 90 minutes and at full-time.
Goals from Leandro Trossard and Enock Mwepu put Graham Potter's side two goals to the good with just over 20 minutes to play. Martin Odegaard brought the hosts back into the game late in the day but the Gunners could not find a crucial second goal.
It was a result that handed Tottenham another advantage in the race for fourth place. Monday night saw Mikel Arteta's men fail to break back into the top-four as they were beaten 3-0 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Lacazette took over captaincy responsibilities at the Emirates after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's departure and has been a regular in the starting XI. But once again he failed to threaten for the Gunners. It was not long ago that Arsenal legend Ian Wright was calling for his former club to give the Frenchman a new deal, with his current contract set to expire in the summer.
"His position is vitally important to everything we're doing, just look at the two assists he had," Wright said on the Wrighty's House podcast back in March. "Unless we get that person, you think to yourself, 'maybe we could give Laca another year or two'.
"I think Laca has got to stay around, man. You can see with his little back flick, his backheel assist, his little assist. Man is feeling the vibe."
It is a verdict Wright may well be reconsidering, with Arsenal continuing to be linked with the likes of Darwin Nunez and Tammy Abraham. Many fans were left baffled that the striker was left on for the entire 90 minutes and did not hide their displeasure at his performance.
@OsmanTheGooner said: "Said it last week. Lacazette for past 4/5 games has been absolutely shocking in terms of work rate and linking up play (the 2 attributes that made him still a starter). Both strikers have 2 months left at the club so expected in a way."
@EduardoHagn said: "Lacazette needs to be subbed off."
@BruinTheLegend said: "Martinelli off and Lacazette getting another 90 minutes. We deserve everything we get at this point, shocking from Arteta."
@Fc4734 said: "We deserve to lose this. Lacazette shouldn’t play for us ever again but he’ll start every remaining game. Shocking end to the season."
