Arsenal duo Alexandre Lacazette (left) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Arsenal duo Alexandre Lacazette (left) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Charlie Nicholas on Arsenal's strike partnership of Aubameyang and Lacazette


There were question marks over whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette would lead the line for Arsenal this campaign.

Yet Unai Emery has devised a way to play both together in the Gunners’ frontline and they have four goals and one assist between them so far.

Charlie Nicholas weighs up the two frontmen and believes Arsenal can reap the rewards from playing both players together.

“Aubameyang is better than Lacazette, but Lacazette is really good because he likes to get on the shoulder of people,” Nicholas told Sporting Life.

“Also they have link-up play. If anybody notices with Arsenal, Lacazette’s touch and spin and link-up with Aubameyang – they have that, this partnership and togetherness, and the feeling between the two of them.”


Aubameyang and Lacazette's 2018/19 betting odds (via Sky Bet)

  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to win the Premier League Golden Boot: 12/1
  • Alexandre Lacazette to win the Premier League Golden Boot: 33/1

A good example of their neat link-up play was demonstrated at Cardiff. The Sky Sports pundit has reiterated that the Arsenal pairing can get better as the season progresses.

“They are vital, Arsenal will always create chances and they need to be critical and at the weekend what we got was a pretty bog standard performance saluted by – I know the second was offside – but when strikers score goals confidence is high, people trust them and you can feel it in the stadium now,” said Nicholas.

“Aubameyang feels a bit more comfortable with Lacazette in the team and playing slightly wider. I think it suits him better, he looks to be enjoying it more rather than waiting 15 minutes for a touch at number nine."

Nicholas also believes that the Emirates crowd should be excited about the prospect of the partnership developing over the course of the Premier League season.

“It’s not Cole and Yorke but it’s heading in the right direction and that is the most positive thing for the Gunners.”


Odds correct at 1435 BST (25/09/18)

Follow Sporting Life on social media - find us on Facebook here or tweet @SportingLifeFC

Related football links

Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

FOOTBALL TIPS

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo