Laurent Koscielny and Alexandre Lacazette spoke to BT Sports after today’s 2-0 win over Chelsea at the Emirates.
The Arsenal goal scorers discussed the importance of the win, the fight for the top four and more. Here’s what they had to say – you can watch the goals and read the match report here.
A superb win, everyone must be delighted.
Kos: Today we needed to win. We did a mistake last week, so today was a 6 point game. if we lost we would be at 9 points, if we win just 3. We’re still in the race for the top four. The commitment today was amazing from all the boys.
We talk a lot but today on the pitch we showed the way we want to be together. It’s good to play like this, because in football it’s not easy to win but when everyone fights for each other it’s better.
Arsenal were hungrier, more determined.
Laca: Yeah, it’s what the coach asked us in the dressing room. From in front to the back with Lolo. We fight all the game, so it’s good.
It was not easy for us but it was a good ball by Hector, and after I scored I’m happy because it’s good for the team.
Kos goal – a perfect shoulder …
Kos: Yes, I practised that in the gym! No, we know in modern football set-pieces are important. It’s more detailed. Today I’m happy to score, it was important for the team.
Questions have been asked about the defence but a clean sheet is precious
Kos: When we talk about clean sheet it’s not just about the defenders. Everyone worked together, the strikers worked well and helped the test of the team. It makes it easier at the back to win the challenges and win the ball back. It’s good for our health, I hope we can keep this for the rest of the season.
Laca: It’s 3 points to Chelsea, we’ll fight until the end.
It’s been a long road back from injury
Kos: It’s always difficult for a player, you always want be on the pitch. I worked hard to be back here, and it’s paid off.
I hope I got your first, at least we have the bragging rights
Watching the reply over and over again, Kos’ shoulder goal looked very convincing, as if he intended to shoulder the ball into the net 😀 , and his expression also shown LOL….good job Kos!! You look pretty much on your 20s tonight
Koscielny has understandably looked a bit heavy on his feet since his return, and I must admit I feared the worst when I seen Hazard was playing down the middle…. But he was brilliant today, and other than the Alonso header that hit the post, I don’t recall Chelsea creating anything else that threatened us, despite dominating the ball in the second half., the whole team fought well today. Really happy for Emery, he’s taking a lot of unfair stick IMO, and this boooing of subs makes no sense to me, no one fancied us for top 4 this season,… Read more »
Great performance by Kos , MOTM for sure.
We need the same fking commitment every game. No matter who we face, every player needs to earn their wages. We also need Abu to start scoring these great chances he keeps getting.
People were saying Kos was done.. I’m smelling a revival. Long live Lolo
Lolo exemplified what leadership by example is all about
Really led us today. Always there at the back to put his body in the line of fire.
We won’t have got that clean sheet though if midfield did not do its job. They were good today tracking those runners bc we had some dodgy moments still. If the midfield slacked off as they did many times this season, we would have poor issues at the back no matter who plays there. The period around Xmas we did not sustain effort in midfield. Today we threw in the kitchen sink in midfield with 4 in a diamond. The question is can we sustain the industry AND quality. We need to add from market someone who can control the… Read more »
If he can stay one more season let Mustafi, Monreal and Elneny go, bring in one center back, a winger and a left back we will be fine till the next window
Monreal??
The most sturdy player in the PL…let him go?
Ur nuts…And ur NOT Mr Arsenal!
Mustafi? You’re joking.
Monreal also makes mistakes.
Koscielny did good today but the issue is sustainability. At his age, there will be injury issues.
It would be stupid to try and keep him too long.
Keep him as long as he’s willing to play the role the coach thinks is best.
Thank you Koscielny for shouldering a win for us.
Head and shoulders above everyone-else today
Superb piece of skill even Maradona would have been proud of.
And assist that came from other Cback equally good.
He’s been getting sharper Koscielny and MOTM for me today.
We could have had more if Auba was sharper with his opportunties too.
Look to me we were aware of their shoddy practise defending set pieces bc Koscielny had one saved point blank earlier in similar situation.
Very comprehensive planning by the gaffer today but still needed the players to implement.
COYG
“We talk a lot but today on the pitch we showed the way we want to be together.”
I chuckled at that. But I’m very happy that we put in a fantastic performance. I hope we keep this intensity till the end of the season and get our champions league spot back (and a couple of trophies along the way).
Please stick with this formation! All of our best performances have been with 4 at the back. We’ve been awful playing 5 at the back – we lost our press and creativity, now it’s back
Hope we keep Kos the boss for next season, such a top quality player and pro
I’ve just watched the “Stronger” documentary of his rehab, ended up with teas in my eyes, and have to say I’m so delighted for Kos to come back and be amazing, and win this deserved MOTM. It shows how much work and dedication these guys put in, and kudos to our medical and fitness guys who are there every step of the way. Congratulations to Kos for coming back stronger, and brightest blessings to Hector, Rob and Danny as they work on their journeys back to fitness.