Alexandre Lacazette admits it’s never easy to be on the bench, and says it’s the first time he’s experienced a situation like this.

Speaking after his last-minute equaliser against Crystal Palace on Monday night, Alexandre Lacazette discussed his backup role with Arsenal this season.

“It’s never easy to be on the bench, you always want to play and bring something to the team,” Lacazette said. “This is what I tried to do.

“It’s my first time like this. I am just waiting my time, I work every day in training for this kind of moment when I can help the team and obviously today I scored so I’m really happy.”

Lacazette has only started one game this season in all competitions, at home to AFC Wimbledon in the League Cup.

The 30-year-old was initially absent from the Premier League matchday squads due to illness, but he’s been on the bench for the last six games, making an appearance in three of those.

In total, he’s still only played 185 minutes in all competitions, so his three goals and an assist are impressive in that context.

Lacazette’s reduced minutes are possibly partly as a result of his contract situation, with his deal expiring at the end of the season. It’s hard to see him reclaiming a starting role whilst simultaneously edging out of the door.

But if he keeps contributing to goals in his cameo appearances, the question of whether he should be starting is going to keep cropping up.