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The exact moment last season that forged Arsenal’s future strike partnership

We've pinpointed what was the start of something special

It’s nice to be nice.

Arsenal fans were given another look at what the future could be like after their win against Fulham.

In particular, the budding partnership between Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.


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Thank you, Sir

PA:Press Association
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Thank you, Sir

The pair both found the back of the net twice in what was a brilliant team performance.

Aubameyang was forced to watch the first-half from the bench after he was deemed not fit enough to start.

He came on to devastating effect.

Hug me brother

AFP or licensors
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Hug me brother

The Gabon international came on to partner Lacazette as Arsenal switched to a traditional 4-4-2 system.

It’s a tactical switch that Unai Emery first made against Cardiff.

On that occasion, as with the 2-0 win over Everton last month, both Aubameyang and Lacazette got themselves on the scoresheet, with the latter assisting his partner’s effort.

The start of something very, very special

Reuters
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The start of something very, very special

Almost immediately after the Gabon striker rocked up at the Emirates in January, Lacazette’s long-term future with the Gunners was cast into uncertainty.

A relatively underwhelming opening six-months to his Arsenal career, as well as a lengthy injury, had left the Frenchman short of form and confidence.

One particular moment last season will be regarded as the turning point in Lacazette’s Arsenal career, and he has Aubameyang to thank for it.

He needed time to adapt

Alamy Live News
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He needed time to adapt

Coming off the bench to make his return to action after six weeks out on the treatment table, Arsenal were sitting pretty with a 2-0 lead against Stoke in April.

What had been a routine day for the Gunners, courtesy of two Aubameyang goals, was about to be signed and sealed after Arsenal were awarded a penalty.

Just one goal shy of his first hat-trick for the club, and having already scored a penalty, it seemed inevitable that Yo Pirre would step up to the spot.

Plot twist, he handed the ball over to his new teammate Lacazette, a moment that might have sparked the start of something very, very special.

Thankfully he tucked it away with aplomb

Reuters
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Thankfully he tucked it away with aplomb

The Samaritan-like gesture prompted a strong bond to emerge between the pair off the pitch.

We are now seeing the benefit of that relationship on the pitch.

Their camaraderie is widely documented across social media, with Aubameyang even firing shots at Harry Kane to show his affection for Lacazette.

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The Gunners’ questionable defence means the onus is on Aubameyang and Lacazette to score the goals to bail their side out of trouble.

No pressure.


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