Arsenal suffered a disappointing defeat at Old Trafford as they lost 3-2 to Manchester United and one of the talking points of the game was the performance of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who seemed to have lost his cutting edge.
With West Ham United drawing their match on Wednesday, this was a good opportunity for the Gunners to jump into the top four. But that was not to be as they let Cristiano Ronaldo score a brace to secure the win.
There was a lot to be happy about for manager Mikel Arteta as the visitors put on a good show especially during the first 40 minutes. But once United had equalised, it seemed that the game was getting away from the north Londoners.
And it was not helped by the lacklustre performance of the captain who has had a good season so far. He was unable to stretch the defence and that limited the number of opportunities that the Gunners could create. The forward also missed quite an easy chance to equalise late on and that did not help the player’s case.
It is the seniors such as Aubameyang who should step up and make themselves counted in these games. But since that did not happen, it was easier for the hosts to get onto the front foot and look for the win. This performance by the skipper infuriated a lot of Arsenal fans and they showed their displeasure on Twitter. Here are some of the best reactions:
Aubameyang doesn’t deserve to start anymore.
— Max. ✍🏼 (@AFCMax9) December 2, 2021
Aubameyang is going to cost us so many points this season if he keeps his place in the side. He’s so so finished
— Gally ™ (@AFCGally) December 2, 2021
It’s time for Aubameyang to go it really is
— AFC max (@afcmax22) December 2, 2021
When Aubameyang signed the 3 year contract, we all feared that he was going to pull an Ozil on us.
Guess what?
He pulled an Ozil on us
— Seun (@Seun_AFC) December 3, 2021
Yeah I’m done with Aubameyang. Offside but that was another shocker.
— SamW (@SamW_AFC) December 2, 2021
How many games does @Auba need to actually do something on the pitch!! Drop him, he’s not good enough at the moment, we’ve got better players on the bench that actually put a shift in. #MUNARS
— Oli Paul (@OliPaul4) December 2, 2021
Arsenal Fever View:
If the north Londoners are anywhere near the race for the Champions League spots, it is because of their defence and goalkeeper in particular. But on the offensive end, things are a little different as the players have not been firing as much as Arteta would like them to.
And as much as defensive solidity is important, being able to attack teams is also necessary. That was found to be lacking at Old Trafford and prevented the Gunners from getting the three points. A real improvement is needed going forward if the Champions League is to become a reality.
A lot of that will depend on how well Aubameyang is able to play. Arsenal travel to Goodison Park next where they will be facing Everton who are in terrible form. This is a good chance for the striker to get his scoring touch again and silence a few critics on the way.
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