Darren Bent has questioned Arsenal’s Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s work-rate this season.
Speaking on the Kelly and Wrighty Show, which was broadcast live on Optus Sports, Bent said that he feels that Aubameyang has lost his hunger since signing a new contract at Arsenal.
The Gabonese international’s form has slowed since he secured his future at the Emirates Stadium.
And Bent has definitely seen a drop off in his intensity levels, compared to the way he was playing last campaign.
“The biggest thing is work-rate. you look at him before he signed the contract, he was literally up and down,” he said.
“He’s making tackles as a full-back, sprinting 60 yards to get on the end for a finish.
“He had that hunger and desire to really work hard for the team.
“This season, first game of the season, he was superb, but after that he’s signed a new contract and allowed his standards to slip.
“You don’t want to say it’s because he signed a new contract, but some people will say it’s no coincidence that his work-rate has dropped, the goals have dried up, and he’s nowhere near as effective as before he signed the contract.”
Aubameyang has just two goals in eight Premier League appearances so far this season.
Mikel Arteta seems to be struggling to get the best out of the forward, and there have been suggestions that he doesn’t suit the position he is currently playing.
Aubameyang was a major threat from a left-wing berth last term, but with Arsenal struggling for goals, Arteta may now deploy him through the middle, in his more natural position.
Aubameyang’s pace could be a major threat at the weekend, as Arsenal take on Leeds, who always commit men forward and leaves spaces on the break.
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