Ian Wright: I find it frustrating Arsene Wenger won’t start Arsenal summer signing
The Arsenal legend questions why Arsene Wenger refused to start Alexandre Lacazette at Man City
Ian Wright has criticised Arsene Wenger for starting Arsenal summer signing Alexandre Lacazette on the bench in Sunday’s 3-1 loss at Manchester City.
The Gunners signed the France international in a club-record £52m deal from Ligue 1 side Lyon in the summer transfer window.
Lacazette scored six times in 10 games in the Premier League ahead of their trip to leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend.
The 26-year-old scored his first Premier League goal on the road in a thrilling 5-2 victory over Everton at Goodison Park last month.
However, Wenger left Lacazette on the bench and opted to start Alexis Sanchez up front against Manchester City, who have been linked with a move to sign the Chile international.
The Arsenal boss turned to the French striker with the north London side trailing 2-0 to Pep Guardiola’s men.
Lacazette halved the deficit following goals from Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne before Gabriel Jesus sealed three points with a controversial goal.
Former Arsenal striker Wright can’t understand why Wenger is so reluctant to use Lacazette against the Premier League’s best team.
“I find it frustrating. He has come in for £50m. He is a goal-scorer. He has shown that,” Wright told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“He has double the amount of Premier League goals than anyone else in the squad. He is playing Alexis Sanchez up front, who wants to leave the squad.
“I don’t mind because he is trying. But Lacazette can score a half chance if created. He showed that on Sunday. He didn’t start him. I can’t understand it.”
Arsenal dropped to sixth place in the Premier League table following their 3-1 loss to leaders Manchester City.
The Gunners are 12 points behind the Premier League pacesetters.
