Alexandre Lacazette roars back to form with Lyon hat-trick

A superb display of finishing from Alexandre Lacazette saw the striker claim the match-ball as his hat-trick gave Lyon a 3-0 win over rivals St Etienne.The France international has struggled for form in the early stages of the season, but burst into life with three well-taken goals to send Lyon second in Ligue 1.The atmosphere inside the Stade de Gerland was at fever pitch before kick-off, but after a couple of full-blooded tackles in the opening minutes, the game appeared to be fizzling out into a damp squib.The two sides went into the game level on points and third and fourth in the league respectively, but there was little quality on show in the first period.The hosts were always the more threatening side however, and had the first opportunity to open the scoring.Brazilian full-back Rafael was sent clear down the right-hand side by Mathieu Valbuena, but after checking inside under a heavy challenge he could only curl the ball straight at Stephane Ruffier, who tipped over.St Etienne succeeded in quietening the crowd thereafter, but Hubert Fournier's side grew stronger as the half went on.Claudio Beauvue failed to connect with a Jeremy Morel cross, before Valbuena began to pull the strings on the right flank.Ruffier was forced into a stunning double save in the 38th minute, keeping out Jordan Ferri before clawing Valbuena's shot off the line.However he was left with no chance five minutes later as Lacazette, who had looked out of sorts, took control of a loose ball to surge into the area, before deftly scooping the ball over the keeper for his third goal of the season.Lyon finished the half well on top, and continued after the break as Rafael, a constant threat down the right, went on a mazy run after exchanging passes with Valbuena before unleashing a powerful shot from outside the area.Ruffier was again equal to it, but could only palm the ball into the path of the waiting Lacazette, who made no mistake from close range to double the lead and his personal goal tally.The visitors struggled to make an impact with the ball throughout, and could have been further behind had it not been for the heroics of Ruffier in goal.Beauvue was again guilty of missing a golden chance in the 83rd minute after being found by the superb Valbuena. The striker attempted to curl the ball past Ruffier but only succeeded in hitting it straight at the goalkeeper.Lacazette completed his hat-trick deep into stoppage time with another well-taken goal. After running in behind the defence, he went round Ruffier with ease before passing into the empty goal.The win provided a welcome return to form for Fournier, who had seen his side lose in the Champions League during the week, leaving them facing an early exit from the competition. They sit 10 points behind Paris St Germain in the Ligue 1 table.