Why Arsenal can take immense pleasure from this international break

It’s rare that Arsenal fans want to get back to domestic football, but given their run of hot form, they deserve a break. Besides, one star in particular will benefit.

Arsenal are on a huge nine game win streak. While their level of competition hasn’t been the best, if you would have told them they’d  be in this position after the Chelsea game at the start of the season, they’d have bitten your hand off.

There aren’t many teams in England who are looking better than Arsenal right now. To make up for their poor start and now sit just two points off the top spot is impressive. It’s easy for me to say that as an Arsenal fan, but I don’t think many people will deny the Gunners deserve praise. It’s just a case of whether or not they will keep up the momentum under Unai Emery.

Alexandre Lacazette will get some rest.

For some reason, Lacazette was not selected for the French national team. Instead, Didier Deschamps opted for his usual suspects in Olivier Giroud, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Grizemann.

Don’t get me wrong, the French side is hard to break into, especially as a striker. But as much as I love Giroud, Lacazette is the far better player. Still, it’s only the UEFA Nations League, and it’s clear that Deschamps hasn’t submitted his strongest possible squad. This is emphasised by the absence of Raphael Varane.

🚨 Here’s our squad for the upcoming friendly against Iceland (11/10 in Guingamp) and UEFA #NationsLeague match versus Germany (16/10 at the Stade de France)! 🔥 #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/Uxe2FcKmtH

— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) October 4, 2018

France’s loss is Arsenal’s gain.

There’s nothing quite as deadly as a rested Lacazette with a point to prove. Especially given the rich wealth of form he has encountered this season, Arsenal fans should expect him to be even hotter after this international break.

Arsenal now have two weeks to prepare for their meeting with Leicester City in the Premier League. It’s their first monday night match of the season, and Unai Emery’s first as Arsenal boss. I’m not sure if this will have much of an impact, but we’ll see.

One thing’s for sure, Lacazette loves playing under the lights. Whether that be on the European or domestic stage, Lacazette turns into a nocturnal beast. Alright, that’s a stretch, but I can remember some night-time performances in which he has excelled.

He has always been a deadly striker, but he is finally beginning to show his true colours for Arsenal. He was impressive last season, but his form did trail off during the winter. Working with Aubameyang is a Godsend, and Emery is reaping all the rewards of Wenger’s parting gift.

I expect him to be hard in Arsenal training, preparing for his return to domestic football.

• Published on 10/09/2018 at 9:26 AM EST
• Last updated on 10/09/2018 at 9:26 AM EST