Troy Deeney has suggested on TalkSport (09/11/20 at 6:15 am) that a reason behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s poor form for Arsenal could be because he’s ‘tired’.
The Watford striker admitted that ‘people don’t like to hear’ such things, but it was one of his reasoning behind his pretty poor start to the new Premier League campaign.
Aubameyang, who signed for Arsenal for £56 million in 2018 [BBC Sport], has netted only one goal from the penalty spot since he put pen-to-paper on a new contract, and he didn’t even register a shot on target during his side’s 3-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday.
Despite only having two Premier League goals to his name this season, Deeney has still backed the Arsenal man to hit the 20 goal mark this season.
“I am starting to think, do they need to change formations to get Aubameyang in better situations?” Deeney asked. “I know it’s very easy and we are just TV pundits, sit and watch and think we know everything about coaching.
“But he doesn’t seem to be getting in the same positions he once was and being the goal threat he was aswell. I think we all have to remember that it’s been a very short pre-season. We have had no real rest, especially those Arsenal guys. They played their last game with the FA Cup and then they started early with the Community Shield.
“He [Aubameyang] is probably tired. I know people don’t like to hear that sportsman get tired, but they do. Mentally as well as physically. But he’s just having a bit of a slow start. Would you say he’s still going to score 15-20 goals this season? I would put my money on him to score that many.”
Aubameyang is playing off the left for the Gunners and he has caused damage from that area of the pitch many a time before.
But given his poor run of form, it perhaps would be wise from Arteta to play his star man down the middle, as the supporters are now demanding because, other than Bukayo Saka, no other attack-minded player is really ripping it up.
Some Arsenal fans may also point towards their tactics and lack of forward-thinking play, which was clearly missing during their defeat to Villa.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
