Top Gunner: Alexandre Lacazette Becomes Most Prolific No.9 In Arsenal History (Well, Since Official Squad Numbers Were Introduced) With Goal Against Newcastle

Chris Wright

2nd, April 2019

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Arsenal moved back above Tottenham and into the top four with a routine 2-0 win over Newcastle United at the Emirates on Monday evening.

After Aaron Ramsey had put the home side ahead in the first half, Alexandre Lacazette finally wrapped things up with a second goal in the 83rd minute, plundering in behind the Newcastle defence to nick a neat finish over Martin Dubravka.

Lacazette’s goal – his 32nd for the club – also saw the French striker pass a rather interesting Arsenal milestone.

Indeed, according to Opta statistician Tom Ede, Lacazette is now the highest-scoring Arsenal No.9 since the designated squad numbering system was during the early years of the Premier League…

Lacazette has plucked the record from previous holder Lukas Podolski, who scored 31 goals for the Gunners while wearing the No.9 on his back.

Honestly the competition isn’t overly strong, with Lucas Perez, Park Chu-Young, Eduardo da Silva, Julio Baptista, Jose Antonio Reyes, Francis Jeffers, Davor Suker, Nicolas Anelka, Paul Merson and Alan Smith (from ’93 to ’95) the other former denizens to have worn the jersey during the aforementioned time frame.

Still, not a bad little accolade to have.