The ex-Gunners striker Alan Smith believes that several reasons might be affecting the Arsenal frontman’s goalscoring form.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is still hungry for goals in spite of his extended agreement at Arsenal according to Alan Smith. And the veteran striker is struggling to find the back of the net at Emirates Stadium from the beginning of the new season. Evidently, Aubameyang has managed to score only four times for the Gunners across all the competitions. With just two in the Premier League.
Arsenal is massively dependent on their captain to light up the final third as of lately. Moreover, it seems as if the 31-year-old is getting smothered with his new role on the left flank under Mikel Arteta. And some say that the Gabon international is lacking the desire after his contract renewal earlier this season.
Back to his old position?
Smith mentions that Aubameyang should be shifted to his old central role replacing the failing Alexandre Lacazette. Also, the former Arsenal striker thinks that the fresh terms do not contribute to his descending form.
Smith told the Evening Standard: “The fact that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hasn’t scored from open play in the league since the opening day does tend to point in a worrying direction.
“If one of the world’s best finishers can’t find the net in seven games. What does that say about the team as a whole? Well, it says for a start that the number of chances created has dropped. The Gunners don’t carve out the opportunities of old.
“In fairness, that’s bound to happen when a coach is concentrating on organization and solidity. When he’s determined to eradicate flimsy defending in favor of a disciplined approach that gives little away.
“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 center-forward’s input. And Alexandre Lacazette has fallen into a slump that’s not helping. It might be time to move the captain inside.
“As for the accusation Aubameyang has lost his hunger after signing that humongous contract, I’m not having that. The 31-year-old doesn’t seem the type to coast along. He likes scoring too much to be going through the motions.
“A lack of creativity doesn’t help his cause. A shortfall that leads to Arsenal struggling against sides adopting a low block. Leeds, however, don’t go near that tactic, with Bielsa insisting on attacking verve. As a result, this might be a day for Auba’s huge grin.”
And now after the international break, Arsenal will face Leeds this weekend in the English top-flight.
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