Arsenal kicked off the 2020/21 Premier League season, taking on Fulham in the earliest fixture of Matchday 1. The Gunners made the trip to Craven Cottage and it didn't take long for this fixture to entertain.
Arteta, in what was his first game in charge since being promoted to first-team manager, gave Willian and Gabriel their debuts. These new faces resulted in a shaky start for the north London giants. However, it was Arsenal who took the lead, breaking the deadlock after only eight minutes on the clock.
Willian benefited from a poor Fulham attempt to clear to assist Alexandre Lacazette for the opening goal. That strike from the Frenchman not only got him on the scoresheet, but it also etched his name in history as he became the first player in Premier League history to score the opening goal of a season on more than on occasion. Watch his goal in the video below.
Alex Lacazette scores the first goal of the season
— SuperSport (@SuperSportTV) September 12, 2020
After Willian is denied from close range, the Frenchman pokes home. The Gunners lead Fulham 1-0.
Watch live: https://t.co/RYwm9aZlb5 pic.twitter.com/qdHTQeV4jZ
2 - Alexandre Lacazette is the first player to score the opening goal of a @premierleague season on more than one occasion (also 2017-18 v Leicester). Repeat. #FULARS pic.twitter.com/MhIJrsm1kq
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 12, 2020
It was an excellent start to the season for the Arsenal forward. The former Lyon ace endured a disappointing 2019/20 campaign, scoring only 12 times across all competitions despite making 39 appearances.