Ian Wright has dismissed claims on Optus Sport on Premier League Productions that Arsenal are better off without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the team.
It’s pretty obvious for every Arsenal fan to see that Aubameyang’s twin brother has turned up to the Emirates this season.
Whilst there have been glimpses of the old Aubameyang this season, for large parts, he has hardly been a threat, with Alexandre Lacazette standing up to the plate and being Arsenal’s top-goalscorer this term.
And given Lacazette’s form up top, Wright was asked whether Arsenal, and the Frenchman himself, are better off without Aubameyang in the starting XI.
“Nah man, don’t go there,” said Wright. “In respect of Aubameyang. I know what you are saying.
“In the current climate, with the way they are playing, you are seeing he (Arteta) is benefiting playing him (Laca) without him (Auba).
“But that’s our leading goalscorer who is potent. When he’s fit, we didn’t realise how unwell he was, but he’s still a massive cog in this team.
“Lacazette’s playing well, like he should be, but at any stage, Aubameyang has to be in and around it.”
Since Aubameyang swapped Dortmund for Arsenal in 2018, there is no doubt that his name is up with the best, in terms of goalscoring numbers.
But with Arsenal facing a possible mid-table finish, no trophy and European football next season then questions have to be asked of, not just the manager, but the players also.
Of course, a drowning Arsenal can be saved if they win the Europa League, and a lot of what has occurred will be forgiven if that happens, but even then, that’s a tough ask.
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