Super-sub Lacazette Lifts Arsenal’s Euro Bid
Alexandre Lacazette came off the bench to keep Arsenal in the hunt for a Champions League place as his late strike survived a VAR review to seal a vital 1-0 win against West Ham on Saturday.
The French striker turned in Mesut Ozil’s header with 12 minutes left, but it took several minutes before VAR finally confirmed the German was onside when he laid on the goal.
Arsenal’s third successive Premier League win lifted them within five points of fourth-placed Chelsea, who face Everton on Sunday.
Earning a Champions League berth still looks a long-shot for Arsenal, especially after this uneven display.
But the Gunners, who face Manchester City on Wednesday, are unbeaten in their last eight league games and showed commendable spirit to make the late breakthrough.
West Ham has lost five of their last seven league games and, with only one win in their past nine, they are destined for a nervous finish to the season as they battle to avoid relegation.
Arteta admitted this week that only a victory against West Ham would keep their Champions League bid alive.
He got his wish, but only just.
There was no pre-match handshake between the teams following the Premier League edict to ditch the ritual over coronavirus fears.
Listless for long periods, Arsenal didn’t look too keen on any contact once the game started either.
Granit Xhaka carelessly surrendered possession to Jarrod Bowen, whose long-range drive slipped through Bernd Leno’s grasp onto the near post.
