Lacazette strikes twice for Arsenal

Published at 05:46 am September 26th, 2017
Last updated at 05:54 am September 26th, 2017

Arsenal kept up their 100 percent home record this season with a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Monday, with new club record signing Alexandre Lacazette grabbing both the goals. West Brom had lost on their previous six visits to the Gunners but started the match brightly and were even denied a penalty after only seven minutes of play. Gareth Barry, appearing in a record 633rd Premier League fixture and the Baggies' captain for the night, released the ball to Jay Rodriguez in the area who cut back and was brought down by defender Shkodran Mustafi.

Congratulations, Gareth Barry! A #PL record-breaker… pic.twitter.com/dnXlTDCJOR
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 25, 2017

Congratulations on your @PremierLeague appearance record, Gareth Barry, from all of us at Arsenal ? pic.twitter.com/qdU2UVIf5T
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 25, 2017

However, no foul was given by referee Bobby Madley, much to the frustration of manager Tony Pulis on the touchline and Rodriguez himself. "For me I felt contact and I went down and I was waiting for the foul to be given but it wasn't," the striker told Sky Sports. "For me it was a penalty, but you get them and you don't. It's difficult when it's 0-0 and if you get the decision you can get a goal which changes the game."

Penalty!?
The referee says no as Jay Rodriguez is tackled from behind by Shkodran Mustafi. Arsenal 0-0 #WBA ➡ https://t.co/LPAIFwSaHp pic.twitter.com/nArJhurwOo — BBC Sport (@BBCSport) September 25, 2017

Arsene Wenger's side took the lead after 20 minutes, Lacazette heading in after goalkeeper Ben Foster had pushed Alexis Sanchez's free-kick on to the bar. The goal meant that the close season signing from Lyon became the first Arsenal player to score in his opening three home fixtures in the league since 1988. The Frenchman scored his fourth of the season and Arsenal's second of the match from the penalty spot, midway through the second half, after a clumsy barge on Aaron Ramsey in the box by Allan Nyom.

Home sweet home for Lacazette! ? 3 games, 3 wins, 4 goals at Arsenal Stadium ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/m1KOHNq41U
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 25, 2017

After the final whistle, Welshman Ramsey was full of praise for his new free-scoring team mate. "Lacazette is fantastic. He has lovely touches and knows where the back of the net is," he said.

Here's what @aaronramsey made of @LacazetteAlex in #AFCvWBA - we'd like you to describe his display with 1️⃣ emoji https://t.co/SxsyljwYjR
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 26, 2017

Arsenal moved up to seventh in the league on 10 points, six behind both Manchester clubs at the top. West Brom dropped to 12th and have now gone five games without a win in all competitions. The Gunners can continue their home run on Sunday against Brighton and Hove Albion, a day after West Brom host Watford.