Arsenal writer Chris Wheatley has revealed that he saw Alexandre Lacazette and Thomas Partey involved in a ‘heated discussion’ after the half-time whistle during the club’s recent match.
Earlier this week, the Gunners strolled to a comfortable 3-0 win over League One opposition AFC Wimbledon, courtesy of goals from Lacazette, Emile Smith Rowe, and Eddie Nketiah.
However, after 45 minutes, with only a penalty to separate the sides, it seems as if Lacazette and Partey were not particularly satisfied with one another’s performances.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, Wheatley explained that the Frenchman, in particular, was ‘fairly animated’ during an exchange that took place just before the players left the pitch.
He said: “When the players were actually going into the tunnel, I noticed a fairly heated discussion between Alexandre Lacazette and Thomas Partey. It looked like Lacazette was maybe a little bit frustrated, perhaps he was isolated up front. Of course, he did score from the penalty spot, but I don’t think it was the best performance from Lacazette against Wimbledon.
“And clearly, there was a talk on the stroke of half time between the two players. Not quite sure what it was about, but Lacazette was fairly animated in terms of throwing his hands up in the air, shrugging his shoulders.”
TIF Thoughts on Alexandre Lacazette, Thomas Partey and Arsenal…
Lacazette’s game time has been fairly limited this season, with his only other goal so far coming in an earlier round of the League Cup against West Brom.
Fitness issues have also kept Partey from putting his stamp on many Arsenal games up to this point. In fact, the main reason he played in this match was to help get him back up to full speed ahead of the club’s derby against Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
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The Gunners come into that game off the back of three straight wins in all competitions. Spurs, on the other hand, won in their cup match midweek, but have lost their previous two league matches.
As ever, this north London derby looks set to be a big game for all involved, and if Lacazette’s frustration is linked to his performance, perhaps he feels he could have done more to stake his claim for a starting role on Sunday.
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