Mikel Arteta thinks Alexandre Lacazette could have scored three or four since the new head coach arrived, and he thinks the goals will come soon.

Alexandre Lacazette played every minute of Mikel Arteta’s first three games in charge until his late substitution against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Though his performances improved with each game, he still has no goals or assists under new management. Chances fell to him on all three occasions, but he couldn’t put any away.

David Luiz put Lacazette through on goal against Bournemouth, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang cut the ball back for him to volley against Chelsea and there were a few occasions he could have done a bit better in the victory over United.

Arteta recognises that the opportunities are passing the 28-year-old by right now.

“He had the chances to put away [against United],” Arteta said. “I am disappointed that he hasn’t been rewarded with all the work he has done in the last three games because he could have scored three or four goals easily.

“Does he just need one to go in anyhow? Exactly. And maybe a little bit fresher legs will help as well.”

The head coach still had a lot of praise for the striker though, despite the lack of goals.

“He has been really helpful in giving us a lot of options. He makes his team-mates better, that’s one of the biggest qualities. As well, every time he is in front of goal normally he is so clinical. The goal will come for him naturally because he is a natural finisher.”

Lacazette will probably get a rest against Leeds United. As Arteta says, fresh legs will help with finishing chances, and sitting the Leeds game out gives the striker a 10-day break between games. After that, a goal against Crystal Palace would do wonders.