Is Unai Emery treating Alexandre Lacazette unfairly this season?

The relationship between club manager Unai Emery and French star Alexandre Lacazette has been questioned aftermath of Arsenal 3-1 victory over Burnley.

The forward started the match but was summoned on the substitute bench later in the second half as Arsenal led 2-1 as at that time. With Aubameyang already bagging a brace, it’s obvious the player wanted to stay on the pitch to justify his starting place. This was denied as he was replaced by Alex lwobi midway into the second half.

The Nigerian scored in the dying moments of the game to help his side secure the 3-1 win at home. Lacazette could not hide his feelings as has fumed when he was substituted in the second half. This (prompted) raised eyebrows as regards to the situation as some may begin to think further than what happened on the pitch.

It’s no secret that every attacker especially a central striker would love to be on the pitch when his side is leading by as a single goal margin. Emery’s plot in substituting Lacazette was a tactical switch to get Arsenal Iwobi into the tick of the action they needed midfield assistance as at that time. This was necessary as the Gunners conceded shortly after the introduction of Torreira  for Mohamed Elneny. This change proved to be costly as the home side was threatened by the Burnley side.

With Sean Dyches team pressing for an equalizer, it was a wisely decision to get Iwobi into the mix bearing in mind that the Nigerian can also after something upfront.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Alexandre Lacazette of Arsenal speaks to Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on December 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

This proved decisive as Iwobi sealed the win late for Arsenal following Ozil’s shot that deflected into his path. Unai Emery was trying to manage the situation on ground rather than beef his player on the pitch. For me the Arsenal manager is trying to be objective and sincere to the player and mostly to the club as they secure the win most importantly.

When you have got Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alex Iwobi and Aubameyang in attack coupled with injured Danny Welbeck, you have got to give other (rotate) players the chance in the team.

This was the case here as both parties (Lacazette and Emery) showed their desire to make a difference for the club with regards to their peculiar (individual) desires.

This should not be misinterpreted as Unai did a good job in making the substitution.

Lacazette on the other hand might have shown how hungry he is for game times as this is healthy for the kind of team Unai Emery is building in the long run at Arsenal.