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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has defended Alexandre Lacazette after the Frenchman came under fire following the Gunners’ 3-0 loss to Aston Villa.
The forward missed a babysitter when the visitors had a one-goal lead and Ollie Watkins punished Arsenal’s charity by scoring a second-half double.
The hosts were well below average against Dean Smith’s team and Lacazette came under heavy criticism on social media for his role in the loss.
The former Lyon striker has scored three goals in his first three appearances of the season but has not found the net in any of his last six games.
Instead of criticizing the forward, however, Arteta says he and his team must do more to ‘help’ underperforming players like Lacazette.
“My job is to get the best out of the players and put them in the best possible scenarios,” Arteta said.
“If they are not working it is because we have to help them more.”
When asked if he would consider trading the three forwards from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Willian and Lacazette, Arteta said he will continue to analyze the team’s attack.
“We will consider those things when we look at all the games we have played since the last international break,” Arteta said.
“It depends on who is in good shape, in a good mood and we will try to make the right adjustments.”
MORE: Mikel Arteta lashes out at Arsenal players after humiliating loss to Aston Villa
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