In Focus: Lacasse ready to be key figure at Arsenal

Cloe Lacasse has made an instant impact at Arsenal after signing from Benfica in the summer.

The 30-year-old forward scored a stunning stoppage-time equaliser to earn her side a 2-2 draw against Manchester United last weekend.

Having been introduced as a substitute only minutes earlier, Lacasse turned on the edge of the box before firing a powerful shot into the top left corner.

Ahead of the Gunners' clash with Aston Villa today, we take a look at whether their new arrival can continue to shine in the Women's Super League.

Nerves of steel

Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall was full of praise for Lacasse following her dramatic 93rd-minute goal at Leigh Sports Village.

He said: "For her [Lacasse] to come on and show that confidence speaks volumes of the team and the environment we provide for each other, she feels she can be trusted to take a game-deciding action, she can be trusted to create that situation.

"It's so easy when you're new to pass the ball to someone else. I love that self-confidence and that she got rewarded for it.

"I hope other people see that and take that from her."

Proven pedigree

Lacasse certainly did not arrive at Arsenal short of confidence.

She was prolific in a Benfica jersey, scoring 102 goals in 131 games during her time in Portugal.

Arsenal's new No24 joined off the back of winning the Liga BPI Player of the Year award — and she also represented Canada at this summer's World Cup.

So it should be no surprise she has made an immediate mark in the capital, despite being limited to a total of 68 minutes in the Gunners' opening two WSL games.

But the numbers suggest she is a worthy starter for a team still searching for a first win, with the 24-cap international ranking ninth in the division for shot-creating actions per 90 (5.29)

And with the North Londoners only finding the net twice this term, despite an xG of 3.1, Lacasse's finishing ability could make a big difference.

No Lac of ambition

There can be no doubting Lacasse's determination to succeed with Arsenal.

Back in July, she said: "When Arsenal came to the table, it was a dream. It was extremely exciting to have the opportunity to negotiate that.

"I want my career to keep growing and Jonas [Eidevall] definitely mentioned that — I'm aware of the roster Arsenal has.

"I know that's going to provide the environment that I want and they have a lot to take from me as well. So it's going to be a good combination.

"Arsenal is such a massive name worldwide. We need to be challenging for everything we can possibly win."

The aim for Lacasse will be to quickly build momentum as the Gunners look to win a first WSL title since 2018-19.

With a talented Aston Villa side next to visit the Emirates, some more brilliance from the Canadian ace may be required.