Paul Merson has questioned Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s ‘closing down’ for Arsenal in the North London derby and questioned ‘where has that been’ before, as he told Sky Sports.
The Arsenal hitman scored his side’s second goal from the weekend as they ripped past their rivals in a first-half blitz at the Emirates Stadium.
Whilst Nuno Espirito Santo’s side looked lethargic, lacked energy and attacking intent.
Those in Arsenal colours were free-flowing, full of energy and at their absolute best.
That included their £56 million hitman (BBC Sport), who struggled last season, as Merson questioned why he hasn’t been showing that pressing from the front before.
“This is a good XI,” said Merson. “But if they get injuries, they are going to struggle as there is not much after that.
“But from what I’ve seen the last few weeks, fair play to them.
“But how long will Thomas Partey be fit for? How long before Granit Xhaka gets five bookings and misses a game? And then an injury at centre back.
“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was closing down from the front and setting an example, but where has that been.”
Before the last international break, Arsenal were sitting rock-bottom in the Premier League table.
And now, they are above their rivals, who were sitting top of the tree, at that time.
But it can change just like that, including at the weekend when Mikel Arteta’s side take on Brighton.
If they suffer a defeat against a very good and in-form Graham Potter side then questions will be asked, once more.
But if they win, and put in a strong display at the Amex, then perhaps critics will sit back and start to believe in what Arteta is doing.
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