Arsene Wenger hits back at Jose Mourinho over Alexandre Lacazette jibe

Arsene Wenger has hit back at accusations made by Jose Mourinho that he deliberately lied over the fitness of striker Alexandre Lacazette ahead of last weekend’s meeting between Arsenal and Manchester United.

The 68-year-old strongly hinted a few days before the match that his club-record signing would play no part due to a groin injury sustained against Huddersfield Town.

Not only did Lacazette start against United at the Emirates Stadium, though, he also played a full part and got his name on the scoresheet in a 3-1 defeat for the Gunners.

Asked for a response to Mourinho’s words, Wenger told reporters: “I thought he wouldn’t play but in the end he could play. What did you want me to do, to leave him at home?

“I’m always honest. I thought he wouldn’t play, that was I had been told and after he had a test on Friday morning he went to the game and we were not sure if he would play. But, he tried and he played. That’s part of football.”

Lacazette now has eight goals in 15 Premier League appearances since joining from Lyon in the summer.