Mikel Arteta Should Rethink Aubameyang’s Position

Arsenal are not getting the best out of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Alan Smith.

The former Gunner explained why Mikel Arteta might have to take a second look at his tactics.

Arsenal lost 3-0 to Aston Villa right before the international break, making it their fourth Premier League defeat in eight games. It was a humiliating night at the Emirates where Aston Villa exposed all of the Gunners’ weaknesses.

Aubameyang ended the night with zero shots on goal and his scoring streak stuck to two. Many have been calling out to see the forward in a more central role but Arteta has been reluctant to implement that just yet.

Smith told the Evening Standard, “The fact that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hasn’t scored from open play in the league since the opening day does tend to point in a worrying direction.

“If one of the world’s best finishers can’t find the net in seven games, what does that say about the team as a whole? Well, it says for a start that the number of chances created has dropped. The Gunners don’t carve out the opportunities of old.

“In fairness, that’s bound to happen when a coach is concentrating on organisation and solidity, when he’s determined to eradicate flimsy defending in favour of a disciplined approach that gives little away.

“Some say he is wasted on the left, but I can’t agree with that when he has shone so brightly from that position in the past. Mind you, his success from that flank partly depends on the centre-forward’s input and Alexandre Lacazette has fallen into a slump that’s not helping. It might be time to move the captain inside.

“As for the accusation Aubameyang has lost his hunger after signing that humongous contract, I’m not having that. The 31-year-old doesn’t seem the type to coast along. He likes scoring too much to be going through the motions.

“A lack of creativity doesn’t help his cause, a shortfall that leads to Arsenal struggling against sides adopting a low block. Leeds, however, don’t go near that tactic, with Bielsa insisting on attacking verve. As a result, this might be a day for Auba’s huge grin.”

Arsenal take on Leeds United on Sunday night with several players unavailable for selection.