Alexandre Lacazette admits feeling 'unhappiness' on Arsenal bench during most difficult season in London

Lacazette has largely struggled this season despite form improving recently.
AP

Alexandre Lacazette says the current campaign has been his hardest season at Arsenal and he has at times felt “unhappiness” by being on the bench.

Lacazette has hit form recently and has three goals in his last six games, but he has struggled this season.

The French striker has scored 12 goals this term and he is on course for his lowest haul since the 2013/14 campaign, when he was still at Lyon.

Lacazette has had to contend with injury this season, while the return of Eddie Nketiah from loan has added competition for his place in the side.

And asked by Canal Plus if this is the hardest season of his career at Arsenal, Lacazette said: “At Arsenal, yes.

“The [ankle] injury hung around longer than I thought and it affected me. Afterwards, I had this period without scoring, so certainly it wasn’t easy for me, but I still learned a lot this season, because mentally it was not easy.

“The difficulties this season are going to serve me well in the future.

“Certainly, it is not nice to be on the bench. At the same time, in my life, I have had moments that were a lot more complicated and I did not doubt myself.

“It wasn’t really doubt, it was more unhappiness, like every player who is on the bench and wants to play.”

Nketiah’s return from Leeds United has forced Lacazette to be rotated out of the starting line-up on occasions, but he insists there are no issues between him and the youngster.

“Between me and him, things are very good, there are no problems,” said Lacazette.

“We support each other. We know that everyone wants to play and it is the coach who makes the decisions, but between me and him (Nketiah) there are no problems.”

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