Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s return to something like his best form this campaign was triggered by talks with Mikel Arteta, during which he was asked if was comfortable in his role as club skipper.
The Gabon international inherited the position almost by default after the way in which Granit Xhaka was forced to vacate the role just over two years ago after his meltdown against Crystal Palace.
Aubameyang initially warmed to the responsibility and delivered his best run of form in an Arsenal shirt towards the end of the 2019/20 campaign, which culminated in matchwinning displays in the FA Cup against Man City and Chelsea.
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After committing his future to Arsenal by signing a huge long-term contract just over a year ago, Aubameyang’s form dropped and he often cut a disconsolate figure as the Gunners embarked on a poor run of form which saw them lose four consecutive matches at home against Leicester, Aston Villa, Wolves and Burnley.
Later in the season, Aubameyang was excluded from the squad ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham after he was stuck in traffic on the way to the game and missed the team meeting.
Arteta publicly admonished his captain for his poor timekeeping, which did little to aid a relationship that appeared to be deteriorating but, according to The Independent, the duo held key talks during the September international break which have triggered a good improvement.
Around the training ground, Aubameyang is now said to be unrecognisable from the player who ‘had a reputation for falling asleep during team meetings’ and has fully bought into the way Arteta wants to play.
The former Dortmund star, restored to his favoured central position, has scored seven goals in 11 games in all competitions this campaign, while his work rate and willingness to press have been noted by pundits, including Jamie Carragher, and his manager.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash against Liverpool, Arteta urged his striker to continue on the same trajectory, saying: Keep doing the same, because he is getting in great positions.
‘He is having chances and things will happen. He has already scored quite a lot of goals, we always demand more and want more.
‘But he needs to continue the form that he’s in, the attitude he is showing and as well the level of implication that he not only has on the team, but around the club as well.’
