How Alexandre Lacazette made history by scoring for Arsenal in Premier League opener against Fulham
All that early-season optimism from Arsenal fans seems justified as their team has made a fast start in their Premier League opener.
The Gunners looked very assured as they secured a 3-0 victory over top flight newcomers Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Alexandre Lacazette opened the scoring as he scrambled the ball home in the eighth minute after new signing Willian had an close-range effort saved.
And with that strike, a fascinating stat emerged about the Frenchman.
He becomes the first player to score the first goal in a Premier League season - twice.
The last time he did it came in the 2017/18 season opener against Leicester, nodding home a cross from the right on his full Premier League debut.
Mikel Arteta's men were classy throughout and went close to extending their lead on a few more occasions.
Willian hit the post with a well-placed free-kick, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang forced Marek Rodak into making a smart save.
But their lead was extended five minutes into the second period as another new signing, Gabriel, rose highest to score on his Premier League debut - Willian's corner form the right struck the Brazilian defender's shoulder en route to the net.
And it was 3-0 moments later as Aubameyang's lovely curling effort from the left flew into the top corner.
However, it wasn't an entirely polished performance by Arsenal - they nearly went behind early on after a stray backpass by Ainsley Maitland-Niles and confusion between Gabriel and goalkeeper Bernd Leno almost gifted Aboubakar Kamara a goal.
