Lacazette helps Lyon push for European spot as he battles Mbappé for top scorer

PARIS: Alexandre Lacazette’s goals have papered over Lyon’s defensive frailties and are helping the club’s late push for a European place next season.That was glaringly evident last Sunday when the striker’s remarkable four-goal performance helped Lyon beat Montpellier 5-4 after trailing 4-1. The whole bench mobbed him after his stoppage-time penalty as he roared to the home crowd.A great way for Lacazette to break in a new pair of boots.“They were a lovely present that I received, and I’m going to keep them meticulously clean for the next game,” said Lacazette, who rejoined Lyon in the offseason after five years in the Premier League with Arsenal.The goals improved Lacazette’s overall tally for Lyon to 157 — second all-time at the club behind Fleury Di Nallo (222) — and further cemented his status as one of the most popular players in club history.With his lucky boots, Lacazette has another ambition: beating Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappé to finish as the French league’s top scorer.Both have 24 league goals — three more than Lille’s Jonathan David — with four games remaining.Lacazette is relishing the challenge.“Yes, because I know that if I score lots more goals it will help the team improve (and) finish in the highest position possible,” the 31-year-old Frenchman said.Lyon are seventh and trail sixth-place Rennes only on goal difference.

Lille are three points ahead in fifth — the Europa Conference League spot.All three teams play Sunday.Lyon have a lunchtime game at mid-table Clermont. Among the top eight, only Monaco have conceded more goals than Lyon.Rennes host 19th-place Troyes and Lille face a hard trip to fourth-place Monaco.