Alexandre Lacazette takes centre stage to outshine record-breaker Gareth Barry
Barry surpassed the appearance mark set by Ryan Giggs but Lacazette spoiled the party.
Alexandre Lacazette scored twice as Arsenal ruined Gareth Barry’s big night.
The French striker nodded in the rebound after Alexis Sanchez had hit the crossbar and he then rifled home a penalty to secure a 2-0 win over West Brom.
It meant Baggies midfielder Barry finished on the losing side on his record-breaking 633rd Premier League appearance.
What they said
Tweet of the match
Star man – Lacazette
You can’t argue with two goals from the Arsenal striker, even if this was a game where nobody else stood out. Lacazette became the first Gunners player to score in his opening three league appearances at home since Brian Marwood in 1988.
Moment of the match
Sanchez whipped in a free-kick which Baggies goalkeeper Ben Foster just managed to touch onto the crossbar, but like all good poachers Lacazette was on hand to nod home the rebound.
Data point
It probably had not escaped anyone’s attention that this was Gareth Barry’s 633rd Premier League appearance. Unfortunately for the veteran midfielder he suffered the 187th top-flight defeat of his career. He did not add to his 52 goals, but on the plus side nor did he receive a 120th booking.
Player ratings
Who’s up next?
BATE Borisov v Arsenal (Europa League, Thursday, September 28)
West Brom v Watford (Premier League, Saturday, September 30)
