Lacazette lifts Arsenal
French striker’s winner gives Emery first away victory
LONDON: Alexandre Lacazette’s late strike gave Unai Emery his first away win as Arsenal manager in the English Premier League as the Gunners overcame Cardiff 3-2.
Arsenal were twice pegged back as goals from Shkodran Mustafi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang were cancelled out by Victor Camarasa and Danny Ward as both teams defended poorly in Cardiff.
However, Lacazette’s fine strike nine minutes from the end ensured Emery, who replaced Arsene Wenger during the offseason, got a second straight Premier League win.
Goals looked likely from the start as both sides’ defensive vulnerabilities were exposed in the opening stages.
Petr Cech’s ongoing struggle with adjusting to Emery’s demand that his side pass the ball out almost gave Cardiff the opener.
The Arsenal goalkeeper gave the ball straight to Harry Arter, who wastefully shot over the bar from the edge of the box.
Having escaped, Arsenal took the lead moments later as Mustafi powerfully headed in Granit Xhaka’s corner in the 11th minute.
Arsenal almost extended their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark as Lacazette hit the post with a left-footed effort.
With Arsenal having failed to take advantage as they controlled the game, Cardiff struck back in first-half stoppage time when Xhaka undid his earlier good work by giving the ball away.
Camarasa received the ball at the back post and powered his shot past Cech to claim Cardiff ’s first league goal of the season.
Arsenal retook the lead in the 62nd as Lacazette teed up Aubameyang with a smart flick, allowing the Gabon forward to curl in from just outside the box.
Cardiff ’s direct approach paid off once more, though, as they hit back eight minutes later.
Sean Morrison headed back across the box for Danny Ward who guided his own header in off the post.
However, it was the game’s standout performer who decided the match.
With nine minutes remaining, Lacazette received the ball on the right side of the box before creating space and lashing a power- ful effort high into the net at the near post.
Arsenal have six points from four games while Cardiff are still looking for their first win of the season with two draws and two losses. — AP