Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Alexandre Lacazette was forced off with tiredness during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Lacazette was given his first start of the season against Villa after scoring a late equaliser off the bench during the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The 30-year-old won a penalty shortly before half-time following a tackle from Villa defender Matt Targett.
But the former Lyon striker fell to the floor clutching his legs in the 68th minute and was replaced by Martin Odegaard shortly after.
Speaking after the match, Arteta said: ‘He worked really hard, he hasn’t played many minutes, he’s not played any internationals and he’s lacking a little bit of that resilience to finish the games,’ he said.
‘But it doesn’t matter, the time he was on the pitch he was terrific.’
Goals from Thomas Partey, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emile Smith Rowe were enough to give the Gunners their first win in three top flight matches.
Villa scored a later equaliser through a fine Jacob Ramsey strike, but the Gunners did enough to hold on to what was a deserved three points.
The win lifts Arsenal into the top half of the Premier League table and level on points with Manchester United, who host Liverpool on Sunday.
MORE : Jamie Carragher admits fears for Mikel Arteta during his assessment of Arsenal boss
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