4-goal-haul sees Alexandre Lacazette briefly claim Ligue 1 top scorer from Kylian Mbappe, highlighting former Arsenal man’s resurgence in French football.

• Alexandre Lacazette scores four goals in a match, briefly overtaking Kylian Mbappe as Ligue 1 top scorer
• Mbappe scores in PSG’s win over Troyes, reclaiming the top scorer title
• Former Arsenal striker Lacazette’s resurgence highlights his impact in French football

It’s not every day that you see a former Arsenal man momentarily take the spotlight in Ligue 1. However, Alexandre Lacazette did just that, as he scored four goals in Lyon’s 5-4 victory over Montpellier on Sunday. The remarkable performance allowed him to leapfrog Kylian Mbappe as the French league’s top scorer.

For a brief moment, Lacazette held the coveted title with 24 goals, one more than Mbappe.

However, the Paris Saint-Germain forward wasn’t far behind, as he scored his 25th goal of the season in a 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Troyes.

This helped PSG move six points clear at the top of the table with just four games remaining in the 2022/23 season.

Lacazette’s resurgence in French football comes as a surprise to some, considering his time at Arsenal. The 31-year-old has proven his worth since returning to his former club, Lyon.

Under the guidance of manager Laurent Blanc, Lacazette has rekindled his scoring prowess, showing that he still has much to offer. His four-goal haul against Montpellier was nothing short of spectacular, featuring a last-gasp winner in the 100th minute from a penalty which he earned after being fouled by former Celtic centre-back Christopher Jullien.

The importance of Lacazette’s resurgence cannot be understated, as Lyon seek a strong finish to the season. Currently, they sit three points behind fifth-placed Lille and are level with Rennes.

Both Lille and Rennes suffered losses over the weekend, meaning Lyon’s hopes of securing a higher position in the league are still alive.

While Lacazette’s brief stint as the Ligue 1 top scorer was short-lived, his performances are bound to capture attention. A former Arsenal man, his return to form will be closely followed by some fans of the North London club.

As for Kylian Mbappe, the young French sensation continues to lead the pack, showcasing his immense talent and goal-scoring ability.

Former Liverpool defender, Dejan Lovren, also played a vital role in Lyon’s victory over Montpellier, contributing a goal to the thrilling 5-4 scoreline in a match that will surely go down as one of the most entertaining encounters of the season.

With the Ligue 1 season entering its final stretch, all eyes will be on Lacazette and Mbappe, as they continue their battle for the top scorer title.

The former Arsenal man’s recent performances have certainly made the race more interesting, proving that France really is the place he plays his best football.

Lacazette – “People thought I was finished”

A few weeks ago, Lacazette discussed the pressure he faced since returning to his former club and how he adapted to the changes in an interview with Téléfoot.

Lacazette acknowledged the added pressure he experienced stemmed from his struggles during his final season at Arsenal. He said, “Because many people thought I was finished, and were saying that I wouldn’t succeed, that the club was making a mistake. I wanted to show that Lyon were right in calling on me.”

The forward has certainly found his form again, averaging a goal or assist every 86 minutes, compared to every 150 minutes in his final season at Arsenal.

His influence may help Lyon qualify for European competitions next season, as they currently sit just three points behind the Europa Conference League qualifying fifth position.

During his time at Arsenal, Lacazette netted 71 goals in 206 appearances, contributing to the 2020 FA Cup win.

However, his spell at the club is often regarded as underwhelming given the £54m the club paid for him. Now, as the 31-year-old continues to excel at Lyon, his story serves as a reminder that with determination and hard work, players can bounce back and prove their doubters wrong.

That, and that not all leagues are created equally.