Mikel Arteta has laid down a challenge for Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
Both players are vying for the centre forward position and it was the latter who got the nod to lead the line against Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Nketiah came close to marking his start with a goal but hit the crossbar early in the second half, while Lacazette climbed off the bench to end a run of nine games without scoring.
It was certainly the perfect response to losing his place in the starting XI and Arteta has revealed how the Frenchman reacted upon learning he had been dropped, whilst sending a message to his two strikers.
"The message is very clear. Whoever trains like they do and I see they have the abilities, qualities and the hunger to perform like he has done today, he's got a chance to play," Arteta said in his post-match press conference.
"Today I decided to play Eddie because he's been training in a phenomenal way. I decided for him not to go on loan and to stay and I have to support that decision.
"Laca has been playing all the games with me, he hasn't scored and I told him the decision today - why - and he accepted it really well.
"I said 'you will come out and score a goal, he did and I am so pleased, not just for the goal but for the reaction of all his teammates and the staff because they showed how much they love him.
"And the reason why is because this guy works his balls off everyday."
Lacazette is certainly a popular player within the Arsenal squad.
This was evident when almost every single outfield player ran to join in with his celebrations.
Lacazette himself was clearly delighted to have ended his goal drought and this was evident when he celebrated with strike partner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Football.london were at the Emirates and noticed that Lacazette jumped into the arms of the Arsenal captain.
Next up for the Gunners is a Europa League round of 32 first-leg clash against Olympiacos on Thursday.
