One of the most selfless acts was witnessed during Sunday’s 3-2 result between Arsenal and Aston Villa – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sacrificing a penalty kick.
The Gunner had started off the game in poor fashion and were 0-1 down up until the 57th minute of the game.
With just 10 of their men on the pitch, Matteo Guendouzi managed to win his side a penalty. Everyone expected Aubameyang to step up but it was Nicholas Pepe who struck the ball at the back of the net and equalised.
The £72m summer signing had gone his first 5 games for Arsenal without scoring after finishing last season with 22 in the Ligue 1 alone.
Aubameyang graciously handed the ball over to Pepe when he was the designated penalty taker and also when his team were down a goal – why? Because team is more important and making your teammates better is the sign of a true leader.
“Yes, it’s Aubameyang who is responsible for penalties,” Emery said. “Also Lacazette, and today for me is a very big decision from Aubameyang to let Pepe shoot to give him confidence and the possibility to score.
“Really, the responsibility is Aubameyang and I was happy when I saw that decision from Aubameyang. He is hungry every day to score, to achieve, individual and collective objectives. Today that decision shows a really great player.”
Arsenal made a miraculous comeback with Calum Chambers scoring late in the game to equalise a second time. Aubameyang did not fail to get on the scoring sheet with a remarkable free-kick from the edge of the Villa penalty box. The game ended 3-2 at the Emirates.
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