Former Newcastle United striker, Shola Ameobi has noticed a very clear problem with Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The 37-year-old has not placed the blame on Aubameyang as a player but on the position, he has been made to play for the Gunners.
After Arsenal’s 3-1 away defeat to Manchester City last weekend, Ameobi explained, “It’s gonna be very hard for Aubameyang because he’s a number nine, he wants to be on the end like Aguero and when he’s pushed to the side, pushed to the wing.”
“I don’t think he’s as comfortable out there as maybe [Alexandre] Lacazette – so it’s very hard for Arsenal to maintain any type of pressure when you’re playing a certain number nine out on the wing.”
Ameobi certainly makes a strong case regarding how Aubameyang might have been misused in certain games. Everybody knows far too well what the Gabon international is capable of doing with his skill and finishing prowess but his shortcomings are quite transparent in terms of dribbling or creative abilities from the wide areas.
The 29-year-old forward has adapted his game to that of a pure centre-forward and might be far too good nearer to the opposition goals than frolicking around in the flanks trying to square off passes to his striker partner, Lacazette.
However, Arsenal’s lack of personnel on the wide positions and Alexandre Lacazette’s presence in the lineup does strike up a controversy regarding how the Gunners should operate on a regular basis.
Both the strikers are far too good to be left on the benches and as seen from Arsenal’s scoring form this season, they both work remarkably well together. The two are well versed in French and seemingly enjoy each others company both on and off the pitch.
Untill, Unai Emery manages to find an outright winger to shift Aubameyang’s responsibilities of stretching the floor, the manager might have to rely on the formation he currently is exercising.
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