Though the match began on a positive note, it was a little disappointing to see Arsenal end up on the losing side. The Gunners lost 2-1 to Chelsea after initially taking the lead early in the game through captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
However, Chelsea staged a late come back to score 2 goals in the last 10 mins. Irrespective of the result, many fans took to social media to heap praise on the Gabonese striker.
The 30-year-old was playing on the wing which meant that he had to offer defensive support to Bukayo Saka who was playing as a left-back and some fans pointed out the same aspect to heap praises on the striker.
Here are some of the reactions from Twitter:
Aubameyang's workrate is amazing.
— sedan hussein (@OnePunchNun) December 29, 2019
Final point on today’s game goes to the excellent Aubameyang. A captain’s performance with grit and attitude. Played his absolute heart out. #AFC #Arsenal
— Daniel Cutts (@Journo_Slash) December 29, 2019
I honestly feel so much pity for Aubameyang. Man's played out his socks out there today and even got us our only goal. Energy and workrate was immense. My Captain 🙌
— Jøey (@_Chuzak) December 29, 2019
The positives from today:
-First half: exceptional.
-Özil looks rejuvenated.
-Collective energy levels increased.
-Torreira was superb yet again.
-Nelson looked a threat.
-Chambers was solid.
-Aubameyang’s work-rate was as good as it has ever been.Artetaball in full effect 🍻
— g (@Akpommed) December 29, 2019
Aubameyang played both ends of the pitch. Attacking, defending, i think he was even lined up to get a pint at half time. He did EVERYTHING!!!
— AG (@AGo1) December 29, 2019
Apart from his attacking contributions, what was really impressive was the way in which he contributed to secure the defense. There were many times especially in the second half when he got back to help out young Saka and ended up making some crucial tackles and interceptions.
Saka who himself is a winger was playing in an unfamiliar role and it helped him tremendously that the captain was willing to help him out. Aubameyang gave Arsenal the lead in the 13th minute when he reacted sharply to a flicked header from Calum Chambers to send the ball into the net.
Arsenal fans will have been encouraged by what they saw during the game, as it looked like the players were able to implement new manager Mikel Arteta’s philosophy. But there is still a lot of work left to be done if the North London club want to finish in the top four.
But from what we have seen so far, it looks like the Arsenal players are willing to fight for the club and show the fans that they mean business. And having players such as Aubameyang perform in this manner will surely make everyone feel happy.
The wins will come sooner rather than later as Arteta gets to know the players a little better. The next challenge for the Gunners will be against Manchester United and it will be interesting to see how they do.
