Having long been seen as one of the most exciting strikers in the world, the heady mix of pace and technique makes Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang a very interesting player indeed. However, the striker has long had some serious issues with discipline – going back to his days at Borussia Dortmund, when he annoyed club and fans alike with his outrageous choice of vehicles.
However, since arriving in London, Emerick-Aubameyang has been one of the most important strikers for the club. He has regularly scored big goals in big games, including numerous goals against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. At 32, he was seen as among the most experienced and decorated of the clubs players, and his relationship with Mikel Arteta was seen as hard to break.
That being said, it looks like the Gabon striker has finally tested the patience of his coach one time too many. The striker – who was late in returning from Gabon to see his mother – was late back from an agreed trip with the club. This prompted absolute fury from the clubs management, as the player has been found wanting on numerous occasions since arriving at the club.
Now, the club has taken the decision to strip him of the club captaincy. In what is seen as a huge move, one that could cause shockwaves in a dressing room known to idolise the striker, Arteta has played his cards.
The Spaniard has spoken of ‘non-negotiables’ in the way Arsenal do things, and his star striker has made a habit of breaking these rules. From timekeeping to not returning home to breaking COVID protocols, there has simply been one mistake too many. Now, it looks like it could cost the striker both his captaincy and his place in the first team.
What did Arsenal say about Emerick-Aubameyang’s captaincy?
In a club statement, Arsenal were clear that this was not a reactive move. Repeated breaks of club policy are commonplace for Emerick-Aubameyang, and it has become a major talking point for fans. How could Arteta – who has been shown to be tough on other players – have one rule for his star striker, and one rule for everyone else?
Having been given more than enough chances, it was clear that the forward was not going to be able to remain focused. As such, he is now missing an armband – and could be available for transfer in January. Arteta has made clear he will not be part of the selection process for the foreseeable future, which could see him become a target for a move in the January window.
In a club statement, Arsenal announced: Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s match against West Ham United.
“We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed. We are fully focused on tomorrow’s match.”
The Gunners play West Ham United in a crucial London derby match on Wednesday night. They will be without ‘Auba’ for this – and could be for the foreseeable future as Arteta looks to work through a headache of a situation.
