In total, Alexandre Lacazette made 206 appearances for Arsenal and scored 71 goals for the club during his five year stay.
Arsene Wenger had been chasing a top striker for years at Arsenal before Lacazette arrived, and the Frenchman was willing to make the switch from boyhood side Lyon.
At the time, Arsenal were relying on Olivier Giroud as their starting number nine, an effective striker but one who many felt lacked the star quality to spearhead a title-challenge.
Therefore Lacazette and Giroud were in direct competition at the Emirates Stadium, given there was little prospect of Wenger returning to an old school 4-4-2 to accommodate both.
Lacazette inspired Folarin Balogun at Arsenal who’s now made his own way to compete with him in Ligue 1, however, it always felt as if the Frenchman didn’t quite achieve what he might have hoped in N17.
Alexandre Lacazette was so ‘surprised’ by Olivier Giroud at Arsenal
Putting that aside for now, Lacazette had some complimentary words to share about Giroud when speaking in an interview with Thierry Henry for Sky Sports back in 2017.
Lacazette realised that he was coming in to take Giroud’s starting spot, but the former Lyon man was still impressed by his compatriot’s attitude during their initial competition.
Speaking to Henry, Lacazette said: “To be honest, I was surprised by the way Olivier welcomed me to the club.
“I was somewhat apprehensive because it isn’t always easy for a starter to step aside.
“He’s been really honest and has helped me at the club and in the city by giving me advice.
“We get on well and have a laugh together, so there’s no problem. The decision is down to the manager. It isn’t up to me.
“I think competition is healthy and if he gets the nod on the weekend, I wish him the best of luck, hope that he performs well and that we win the game.
“He always has something nice to say to me ahead of each game.”
Lacazette and Giroud’s goal records compared at Arsenal
Interestingly, Gary Neville said Arsenal need someone like Giroud in their team today under Mikel Arteta.
But given that Lacazette and Giroud were once in competition with each other at Arsenal, it is interesting to compare their records.
| Games | Goals | Goals per 90 | |
| Alexandre Lacazette | 206 | 71 | 0.34 |
| Olivier Giroud | 253 | 105 | 0.41 |
Kylian Mbappe called Giroud a ‘legend’ recently, a striker who is still playing for LAFC in the MLS at the age of 38-years-old.
Giroud’s goal-rate has dropped significantly in the United States – he’s only scored two goals in 25 games.
But the Frenchman will always be remembered fondly in N5, as will Lacazette.
Two exceptional strikers in their own right, but ones who played in an Arsenal team that arguably needed to be strengthened elsewhere.
