Arsenal Striker Praised Team’s Spirit Against United And Why That Is A Problem

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang praised Arsenal’s spirit in the 1-1 Manchester United fixture and that might be a huge problem.

The Gabon international equalised for his side after Scott McTominay opened the scoring in the first half.

Aubameyang continued his scoring run of 7 goals in 7 Premier League games and was impressed with the show his team put on at Old Trafford.

“I think the team fought very well today. We take a point. It’s always hard to come here so we will take it,” he told Sky Sports. “It’s not easy when you take a goal just before half-time. But we came back in the second half with great spirit. Last week we came back as well. We need to start with confidence.”

Now, the central problem of this comment is the reflection of the mentality Arsenal went with to their rival’s doorstep. With Manchester United languishing in the middle of the table, the Gunners should be aiming for all three points against a side who are quite transparently at their weakest.

Unai Emery’s very timid attempt of starting three deep-lying midfielders shows the exact attitude Arsenal had on this highly anticipated fixture. There was no vile, no hunger to put away their biggest rivals and break the winless record that has carried on since 2006. No steel to clinch an opportunity when it shows itself – the very problem Arsene Wenger-led team suffered from during the Frenchman’s final years.

It is concerning that the team’s best player and the real leader is feeling accomplished with a draw when David De Gea is regretful of not collecting all three points.

Aubameyang continued to describe his goal – “I took the ball from Bukayo [Saka]. I was sure I was not offside. I was surprised the referee whistled. I always try to score even if there is a whistle from the referee. I heard the crowd saying it was offside but it was a goal so I was happy.”

His goal was initially ruled out due to offside but VAR came to the rescue to deliver a fair result. He added, “Yeah of course. It’s always a bit of a strange feeling. You cannot celebrate 100% but it’s OK because I am happy at the same time.”