Lacazette scores brace as Arsenal demolish woeful West Brom
Premier League
By
Reuters
| Jan 03, 2021
A rare Kieran Tierney goal, a superb team effort finished by Bukayo Saka and a brace from Alexandre Lacazette gave Arsenal their third Premier League win in a row as they beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 in snowy conditions on Saturday.
Fullback Hector Bellerin signalled Arsenal's attacking intent with an early effort that was parried by Sam Johnstone before Tierney cut in from the left and curled home his second goal for Arsenal in the 23rd minute.
With his direct running and superb close control, teenage winger Saka tormented West Brom throughout, and he combined brilliantly with Lacazette and Emile Smith-Rowe before tapping home a simple second goal for the visitors five minutes later.
West Brom finished the first half strongly and had an early second-half strike ruled out for offside before Arsenal took control of the game again, never to relinquish it.
Saka's cross on the hour mark was volleyed on to his own post by Semi Ajayi and Smith-Rowe's follow-up was blocked, but Lacazette blasted home to make it 3-0 as the Baggies' woeful defence, which with 39 goals conceded is the leakiest in the league, fell apart once again.
Minutes later it was 4-0 as the tireless Tierney crossed for Lacazette to steer the ball home with his shin to complete the comprehensive victory.
"The perfect way to start the New Year, we've won three in a row so we want to keep building. We're really happy with the performance," Saka told the BBC.
"It was so cold but I was getting so many touches in good positions, so I enjoyed the game a lot."
The win lifts Arsenal to 11th place in the table on 23 points, six points off the European places. West Brom remain second from bottom with eight points after 17 games.