Tim Sherwood told Optus Sport that he is ‘not so sure’ if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is now Arsenal’s best player.
The Sky Sports pundit hailed Mikel Arteta’s decision to drop Aubameyang for Arsenal’s North London derby win last Sunday as ‘brave’.
It was a big talking point as the teamsheets came out, with Aubameyang seemingly dropped to the bench, and then being an unused substitute, for discipline issues.
But Sherwood claimed that when Aubameyang was Arsenal’s best player, Arteta wouldn’t have made such a decision because he was ‘so important’ to them.
“Brave decision, and on reflection of the result, the correct decision,” said Sherwood. “But I am going to say, in hindsight, the correct decision.
“For me, two years ago, Aubameyang on top form, they wouldn’t have left him out. No-one will. I know he wasn’t the manager then. But he was so important to that side.
“Now, I am not sure if he is their best player, Aubameyang. I think he is capable of getting back to it. At the moment, I don’t think he is playing that well.
“For me, I would never cut my nose off to spite my face. So, if it was the best player in the team then I would always turn a blind eye. But it leaves you wide open to the fact that if the worst player in your side does the exact same misdemeanour as your best player then you have to treat them exactly the same.”
Arsenal fans would perhaps have the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Bernd Leno and Gabriel on the teamsheet before they name Aubameyang now.
Twelve months ago, Arsenal couldn’t stop relying on the Gabon hitman but that situation has changed drastically during this past season.
But given what Aubameyang has done for the club, he has credit in his bank and, as proven against Leeds, he still has the ability to score in such a free manner.
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