In what has been a mixed season for the Gunners, a good performance from their captain and striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could have made it a completely different story.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal looks dejected after the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 6, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
The Gabonnese has managed just four goals in the league this term, while spurring several other big opportunities to score goals and improve the results for Mikel Arteta’s side in games.
Having won the Premier League golden boot in his first full season, the 32year old finished just a goal behind Jamie Vardy the following season. However, his form has dipped since the start of last season, which coincided with his improved contract agreement with the club.
He managed 10 league goals last season, a number which is very disappointing for a striker, who had scored 22 league goals in consecutive seasons up to that time. Signs this season have also not been encouraging with Aubameyang missing six big chances in the league, which in the end has costed the team points.
Prior to the 3-0 win over Southampton on Saturday, Mikel Arteta explained that the captain was missing in the squad due to a disciplinary breach and he did not know when the player will return from the internal suspension.
The club has now announced that the former Borussia Dortmund player is no more the captain of the team, while also confirming he will be absent for the trip to West Ham United on Wednesday.
Aubameyang joins Granit Xhaka and Williams Gallas as players to be stripped of the captaincy by the club in November 2019 and 2008 respectively.
Alexander Lacazette, Martin Ødegaard, Kieran Tierney and Ben White are all in line to take over as the club’s new captain, a move which it’s conclusion will be out in the open in the Gunners next game at the Emirates Stadium in London derby.
Author: Afolabi Kehinde Hassan
2 Comments
Oh no
Ohh
What a pity