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‘I’m not having that’: Alan Smith leaps to defence of Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been given the Alan Smith, ahead of the return from international football this weekend.
Aubameyang has come under fire for Arsenal this season from some fans and pundits. After securing a massive contract in the summer, the Gunners skipper has suffered a severe dip in form.
Just two Premier League goals and four in all competitions has led to some criticism of the Gabon star. Indeed, some supporters have called for Mikel Arteta to deploy Aubameyang centrally, rather than on the left. Others, meanwhile, believe the lack of goals could be down to him downing tools somewhat since his new deal.
However, speaking to , former Gunners star Smith rubbished those claims and backed the Arsenal man.
“The accusation Aubameyang has lost his hunger after signing that humongous contract, I’m not having that,” Smith said.
“He likes scoring too much to be going through the motions. Some say he is wasted on the left, but I can’t agree with that when he has shone so brightly from that position in the past. Mind you, his success from that flank partly depends on the centre-forward’s input and Alexandre Lacazette has fallen into a slump that’s not helping. It might be time to move the captain inside.”
Aubameyang will be desperate to get back to his goalscoring ways after a bit of a nightmare international break. The striker was stuck in the airport with his Gabon teammates, so he’ll be glad to be back in PL action this weekend.
A game against Leeds – who have conceded eight in their last two games – could be just the tonic for Aubameyang.
Great backing but Aubameyang needs to do more – TBR View
It’s great to see Smith throwing his weight behind the Arsenal striker but the fact is that the Gabon star needs to be sticking the ball into the back of the net.
Arsenal rely on him being their main man and when he doesn’t score, the Gunners seem to struggle.
Hopefully, with no break until the new year now, Aubameyang can kick on and get back to the striker we all know he can be for Arsenal.