Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s uncertain contract situation at the beginning of the campaign has affected his Arsenal form this term.
That’s the view of Troy Deeney, who admitted the Gabon international hasn’t been his ‘normal self’ following his latest no-show in the Gunners’ thrilling 3-3 draw with West Ham on Sunday.
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Aubameyang hit 22 goals last term to make his name as one of the Premier League’s most prolific players, but he has struggled to maintain that goalscoring form with just nine goals in 24 appearances this season.
“He wasn’t great yesterday and I think there was a moment just before he came off where Lacazette gave him the ball on the left,” Deeney said.
“Normally, he’d have a touch and shot and he took one, two, three touches and got caught out. That’s when you know when someone’s not in their normal rhythm.”
“Let’s be honest he’s a top finisher but normally it’s one touch, shoot.
“Normally strikers have a favoured position and that’s his in the box and he’s going through one of those moments.
“He had a short pre-season and the contract stuff affected him.”
AFP
Aubameyang was dropped by Mikel Arteta for Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over fierce rivals Tottenham earlier this month.
Many branded the Gunners boss’ decision as ‘harsh’ but Deeney believes the Spaniard handled the situation with his captain in the ‘perfect’ way.
“I think Arteta handled it perfectly,” Deeney added. “If he was late, whether it was 30 minutes of 30 seconds, he was still late.
“He certainly made a statement because if he’d lost that north London derby he’d have been absolutely hammered for that.
“I think he set a statement and said it doesn’t matter who you are.”
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