Arsene Wenger has admitted that Lucas Perez deserves more playing time at Arsenal.

The forward started for the Gunners at Gander Green Lane and opened the scoring for his side. It was his seventh Arsenal goal of the season (with five assists) and a reminder that every time he plays he seems to make things happen.

It was no surprise, then, to read about his agent saying the player wanted to play more and was naturally frustrated. Even if Rodrigo Fernandez Lovelle was forced to deny he’d given an interview claiming that the Spaniard was definitely off in the summer, the rumour took hold because the gripes were understandable.

So, will Lucas keep a spot in the starting line up for the next game against Liverpool? I wouldn’t bet on it…

He is pushing on the door but I have many strikers,” Wenger told reporters after the game. “I have Giroud, Welbeck, Walcott, Alexis and Lucas. It is true that he deserves a go because he scores goals and is a good player.”

At present, Lucas is averaging a goal involvement (goal or assist) every 74 minutes for Arsenal. He has nine starts this season and completed the full 90 just six times – not one of which has come in the Premier League.