Quotes

'My team-mates' reaction really touched me'

Alex Lacazette couldn't contain his joy on Sunday evening. 

The France international celebrated in style with his team-mates at Emirates Stadium, after ending his nine-game wait for a goal during our 4-0 win over Newcastle United. 

It was Lacazette's seventh goal of a tough campaign but the 28-year-old is looking forward to kicking on in our next few fixtures. 

"I am really, really happy because I waited for this moment for a long time," he said. "As well, I am touched because of the way all my team-mates reacted when I scored that goal. It means a lot to me and a lot for the spirit we have in the team. This is good.

"It was really hard and complicated, because sometimes I had some games with no chances, sometimes I missed or the goalkeeper saved it. Of course for a striker it is always hard to not score, but it happens in football. Hopefully it is the last time for me."

It was Nicolas Pepe who set up Lacazette on Sunday evening, and our No 9 has paid tribute to his team-mate's impressive performance against the Magpies.

"I used to say we need to be patient with him," Lacazette said. "He is still young, he came from another league and it is always different. The Premier League is the hardest league in the world I think, so you have to be nice with new players like him. 

"He is someone who needs confidence and when you give him confidence he is better. He just needs time to understand how the league is and now we can see a really good Nicolas Pepe."