Wenger happy with Lacazette

Livescores.com

Arsene Wenger explained why he took off Alexandre Lacazette in Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The French striker was replaced by Alexis Sanchez 66 minutes into the stalemate, not long before Olivier Giroud was also introduced for Danny Welbeck.

"I felt Lacazette had a very good first half. He worked very hard for the team, he's very disciplined and it takes him some time to maintain that intensity for 90 minutes," he said.

"Don't forget as well I had Walcott, Giroud and Alexis on the bench, so after 65 minutes in a game of that intensity, it's normal that you bring some fresh legs in.

"I never ask any striker to understand that he has to make room for somebody else. You can never do that."

Wenger will be especially happy with the point following their recent 4-0 loss away to Liverpool, from which they seem to have recovered with wins over Bournemouth and Cologne prior to facing the Blues.

"I think we were close to winning this game," Wenger added. "It is a good basis to start from and go from strength to strength. If we are not focused today we do not get away with a point. With a bit more freedom, I believe we would have won the game."