New Delhi: Two of the most prominent transfers of the English Premier League 2017-18 season – Alexander Lacazette and Wayne Rooney – got off to flying starts on their debuts for respective clubs to leave fans across the world abuzz on Thursday.
Lacazette, who joined Arsenal for a reported £53 million deal from French side Olympique Lyonnais, came on as a substitute in the 68th minute and opened his goalscoring account for the Gunners by converting a low cross in the box from Alex Iwobi in the 83rd minute against Sydney FC at the ANZ Stadium.
Here's a look at Lacazette's goal:
It only took 15 minutes - @LacazetteAlex has his first goal for @Arsenal
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) July 13, 2017
Watch the last few minutes https://t.co/W8t9lelbgp pic.twitter.com/Qy0iuaybe2
The French striker took to Twitter to express how happy he was on scoring his first goal for the North London club against Sydney FC.
Happy to score my 1st goal with my new Team !! Thanks @alexiwobi.. great assist #COYG #SydvARS pic.twitter.com/fP32bvTi0i
— Alexandre Lacazette (@LacazetteAlex) July 13, 2017
Rooney, who rejoined boyhood club Everton after failing to confirm a spot in Jose Mourinho's start XI at Manchester United, scored an absolute screamer from way outside the 15-yard box.
The 31-year-old's 30-yard golazo sent fans and rival clubs a due reminder that his goalscoring days aren't past yet.
Here's a look at Rooney's wonder goal:
| @WayneRooney returns with a stunning goal just 34 minutes into his second #EFC debut! #EvertonInTZ pic.twitter.com/59OQP4ioz4
— Everton (@Everton) July 13, 2017
Rooney himself took to Twitter to acknowledge what a great start it has been for him and the club in the first pre-season friendly against Gor Mahia.
Great start to the pre-season. Special thanks to the fans supporting us in Tanzania today #EFC pic.twitter.com/bY0GhDI3do
— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) July 13, 2017
For Arsenal, skipper Per Mertesacker had opened the scoring with an overhead kick, while Alexander Lacazette ensured that the club took a 2-0 victory over the Australian side to wrap-up their first pre-season friendly win.
Everton, on the other hand, secured a 2-1 win over the Kenyan Premier League club. Kieran Dowell scored the winner for the Toffees with just eight minutes left in play.