Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s poor goalscoring form not linked to new contract, says Mikel Arteta
The striker has scored in just three different league matches since Christmas
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s struggles in front of goal are not linked to the new contract he signed in September and hopes the Gabon striker will soon rediscover his best form.
Aubameyang netted 29 and 31 goals in the last two seasons and inked a new three-year deal after firing Arsenal to the FA Cup trophy. But this season he’s managed just 14 goals from 31 games in all competitions.
“It is easy to connect things like that, but I am not suspicious of that,” Arteta said when asked about the link between the 31-year-old’s performance and his new deal.
“We have had conversations about what he wanted to do from last year’s point of view to his near future in the next two years, and he was ambitious with that.
“To maintain that level is complicated but he is trying his best.”
Read more:
- Liverpool’s rematch with Real Madrid is about more than revenge
- England Euro 2020 squad: Who’s on the bus, who could miss out?
- British basketball has done so much with so little but its potential has never been greater
- England players must realise their power after passing up chance to protest over Qatar
Aubameyang’s campaign has been disrupted by injuries and off-field issues, but he has seen improvement in recent weeks, netting nine times in his last 15 games.
Arteta said it was important for Aubameyang to end the campaign on a positive note.
“We talked about the ratio of goals we need him to score to give us the best chance of being at the top,” he added. “It has not been what it has been in recent years and it’s contributed to by a lot of things. It is not just his thing.
“We need Auba in different form in the next games to give us our best chance to finish where we want to finish.”
Arsenal, who are ninth in the standings, host champions Liverpool later on Saturday.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments