DEFENCE OUR NEW ATTACK, SAYS ALEX

ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE has claimed tightening up the Arsenal defence has been the key to an unbeaten September.

Arsene Wenger’s team ended August with two away defeats, including the 4-0 thrashing at Liverpool. But the Gunners have won four out of five games in all competitions since and only conceded one goal.

Record signing Lacazette became the first Arsenal player to score in his first three Premier League home games in the 2-0 win over West Brom.

But the France striker (above, celebrating his opening goal) said: “It is no big deal. It is not the kind of record I am looking for. I am not especially looking for records.

“I am looking for stability with the team. We are unbeaten in September. We have reorganised ourselves defensively and everyone is working together and that is how you can see the difference. Everything is not perfect but against West Brom we had possession, we did not concede. We scored.

“Even if I think we can do better, it is good already. We knew that hard work would pay off and that is what we are doing. Let’s not get overexcited, and carry on.”

Wenger (above) was delighted with the striker’s contribution against West Brom, even though Lacazette, who joined the Gunners in a £52million summer deal from Lyon, tired before the end.

Wenger said: “He’s not only a goalscorer, his link-up play is good. He fights as well, he’s not fazed by the physical challenges that West Brom gave us, and overall he looks to adapt quickly and very well.

“I took him off because he was tired. What you want is to win the game and not to take any gambles.”

Arsenal fly to Belarus today for tomorrow’s Europa League tie with BATE Borisov with Mesut Ozil facing a fitness test on a knee injury.