Mikel Arteta vows to ‘help’ Alexandre Lacazette after Arsenal’s defeat to Aston Villa

Alexandre Lacazette missed Arsenal’s best chance against Aston Villa (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended Alexandre Lacazette after the Frenchman came in for criticism following the Gunners’ 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa.

The striker missed a sitter when the visitors had a single goal lead and Ollie Watkins punished Arsenal’s charity by scoring a brace in the second half.

The hosts were well below-par against Dean Smith’s side and Lacazette came in for fierce criticism on social media for his role in the defeat.

The former Lyon striker scored three goals in his first three appearances of the season but he hasn’t found the net in any of his last six games.

Arteta was furious with his side (Picture: Getty)

However, rather than criticising the striker, Arteta says he and his staff must do more to ‘help’ underperforming players like Lacazette.

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‘My job is to get the best out of the players and put them in the best possible scenarios,’ said Arteta.

‘If they’re not performing it’s because we have to help them more.’

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Asked if he’ll consider changing his front three of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Willian and Lacazette, Arteta said he’ll continue to analyse the side’s attack.

‘We will consider those things when we look back at all the games we played since the last international break,’ said Arteta.

‘It depends on whose in good form, good spirits and we will try to make the right adjustments.’

MORE : Mikel Arteta blasts Arsenal players after humiliating defeat to Aston Villa