Advertisement
Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.
generosity

'I can let him shoot... It's good for his confidence'

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang passed up a hat-trick penalty to boost Alexandre Lacazette’s morale.

PIERRE EMERICK-AUBAMEYANG passed up the chance to complete his first Arsenal hat-trick against Stoke City by handing over a penalty to Alexandre Lacazette in what he revealed was an attempt to aid the Frenchman’s confidence.

After initially looking as though they were heading towards an underwhelming 0-0 draw, Arsenal eventually stepped things up towards the end at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday and broke the deadlock through Aubameyang in the 75th minute.

The Gabon striker converted a penalty after Mesut Ozil had been tripped by Bruno Martins Indi, before then doubling his tally with a fine volley late on.

Arsenal were awarded a second spot-kick right at the end that would have given Aubameyang the chance to complete his treble, but Lacazette — back following six weeks out — was instead allowed to take it, dispatching the kick to score his first Premier League goal since early December.

And Aubameyang says he did it to give his colleague a boost.

Laca is back, and I know I scored twice so I can let him shoot,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s good for his confidence.”

Aubameyang was sporting a special hairdo on the day, with the word “Marina” shaved into the side of his head.

And explained afterwards that it was a tribute to his grandmother, who passed away recently.

“It is my grandmother’s name,” he said. “She passed away last week so this is my dedication to her.”

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!

Mourinho: United deserve second place, no matter what critics think>

Salah, De Bruyne grasp second chance to take Premier League by storm>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
3
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel