Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang future at Arsenal is uncertain following a series of disappointing performances in his last games.
Aubameyang was dropped by Mikel Arteta for Arsenal’s trip to Everton after being also brought off against Manchester United.
Arsenal’s season has taken another turn, as their recent run has come to an abrupt end and they’ve been dealt a harsh chunk of reality to kick off December.
Mikel Arteta’s side made their worst ever start to a Premier League season, but they then became the team in form as two and a half months went by without defeat.
However, a damning defeat to Liverpool knocked the wind out of their sails, and although they tip-toed to victory against Newcastle, consecutive defeats to Manchester United and Everton have ramped up the pressure on Arteta in just a matter of days,
Although Arteta will always take the brunt of the criticism, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang appears to be letting his manager down and the captain is under increasing pressure.
When Arsenal signed Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund back in January 2018, it was a real statement of intent, and the Gabonese international instantly became a handful for defenders as he consistently challenged for the golden boot.
The form that inspired Arsenal to dish out a new bumper three-year-deal has dwindled ever since pen was put to paper, and a drastic drop in desire and performance levels have naturally seen his prolific goal scoring record fade.
The numbers don’t lie, as Aubameyang’s first two full seasons at the club returned 22 Premier League goals, but during the following campaign after his new deal had been signed, the forward netted just 10 times in the league.
And, in another blow to Arsenal this season, he’s projected to just about reach that figure again this year.
Meanwhile, Arteta is under pressure to act, as Aubameyang’s situation is bringing down the entire club, and the Gunners boss doesn’t even trust his captain anymore, as he was hauled off at Old Trafford before being dropped for their clash against Everton.
Sure, being dropped isn’t something any professional like to experience, but as Aubameyang came off the bench to push Arsenal to a winner with the scores tied at 1-1, it looked as though he was being forced on rather than showing any desire to get out there.
His introduction actually boosted Everton and they always looked destined to score, and as Demarai Gray unleashed a screamer worthy of winning any game, Aubameyang didn’t look phased in the slightest.
As Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said following the 2-1 defeat, ‘it could turn sour’ at Arsenal with what appears to be a clear rift between Aubameyang and Arteta, and Arsenal have now reached an ultimatum as one must leave the club.
In the mean time, Arteta has made positive changes, and is mid-way through a plan to build Arsenal back into a European side, but in order for the Gunners to progress as a club, Aubameyang has to make way and they need to reinvest the money into a striker that’s hungry for success, rather than one that’s settled and content with what’s already come his way.
All good things come to an end, and unless Aubameyang has a swift change of heart on and off the field, it may benefit both parties if he were to move on and make one final major move before hanging up his boots.
