Mohamed Elneny has been speaking about Mikel Arteta and his decision to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy at Arsenal.
Back in December, the Gabon international was late for training after a personal visit to France, which led to the Spaniard taking the armband away from him and also terminating the striker’s contract.
Aubameyang will face Arsenal for the first time since that incident happened when Chelsea take on the Gunners this Sunday, and Elneny has now spoken about the impact Arteta’s decision had on the squad.
Arteta has “scared” everyone at Arsenal
Well, the Egypt international has admitted that Arteta’s treatment of Aubameyang left every player at the Emirates Stadium on edge.
As quoted by the Evening Standard, Elneny – who cost Arsenal £5m – said: “Everyone is scared with their position because this happened to Aubameyang. Of course, if anyone who is not the captain of the team does a small mistake, they are going to have the same problem, and no one needs that problem.”
Clearly, Arteta’s decision had the desired effect on the rest of the Arsenal squad.
The 40-year-old is known to value discipline and professionalism very highly, and it speaks volumes that he overlooked Aubameyang’s status as captain, and the club’s talisman, to make an example out of him.
It has evidently made Arteta’s expectations crystal clear amongst the squad, and Arsenal’s performances since the 33-year-old left north London suggest it was worth axing the Gabonese striker, despite the fact his £350,000-a-week contract had to be paid off for £7m.
Arsenal should not care if Aubameyang scores
If the Chelsea No.9 scores against Arsenal this Sunday and the Blues go on to win, you can guarantee key figures in the media will suggest Arteta should have kept Aubameyang.
However, you have to look at the bigger picture.
Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League, and are performing better than they have for years.
Of course, another striker wouldn’t go amiss – Eddie Nketiah can certainly be upgraded on – but that doesn’t suggest Aubameyang should have been kept.
Arteta has been proven right, and he will remain right even if Aubameyang scores one, two or even three goals at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
