Troy Deeney told talkSPORT that Mikel Arteta proved on Sunday that he ‘doesn’t really care for egos’ when he substituted Pierre-Emerick Aubemayng during Arsenal’s 3-3 draw at the London Stadium.
Rather than starting up top, or in another one of his favoured positions, out on the left, Aubameyang was selected on the right by his manager.
It’s a move that didn’t pay off, and despite Arsenal’s stunning comeback, it was an abject performance from Aubameyang himself.
Watford hitman, Deeney, thinks Aubameyang being subbed ten minutes from time was a statement of intent from his manager.
“I think taking Aubameyang off just before the goal shows an intent that he doesn’t really care for egos,” said Deeney. “I thought Aubameyang was pretty poor and it was a good decision.
“I think Arteta handled (Aubameyang being dropped v Spurs) perfectly. If he was late, whether it’s 30 seconds or 30 minutes, late is late. That’s how it’s perceived in football.
“He certainly made a statement because if he would have lost that North London derby then he would have been absolutely hammered for that. Fans would have turned around and said ‘oh, he was late, doesn’t matter, win the game and deal with it afterwards’.
“I think he sent a statement from the manager that it doesn’t matter who you are. Zero tolerance.”
Whilst Aubameyang has credit in the bank with Arsenal fans for what he has done since he joined the club, his form this season should be a serious worry heading into these final few months of the campaign.
Not only that, if it filters into next season, and there are no signs why it wouldn’t, then those in North London will begin to wonder whether they will see the old Aubameyang once again.
There seems to be some curse at the Emirates because every time a big-name player pens a new deal, his form plummets and it seems Auba is joining a certain Mesut Ozil on that boat.
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