Aubameyang axed by Arsenal as Arteta explains disciplinary breach
Arsenal captain Pierre-Enmerick Aubameyang has been dropped from the matchday squad by Mikel Arteta for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Southampton at Emirates Stadium.
The striker reportedly missed training on Friday and, as a result, has now also been left out of the side to tackle Saints. Indeed, Aubameyang was also dropped to the bench on Monday night at Everton recorded a 2-1 victory over the Gunners.
The Gabon international did make a cameo late on at Goodison. But questions have been asked of why someone who may be leaving the club, in Alexandre Lacazette, got the nod before such a senior figure.
There have been rumours of a fall-out between the pair, but Arteta denied that idea when making things clear at his latest press conference.
“I have a very good relationship with my players,” he said when asked about Aubameyang. “The first thing you have to understand is I have to make decisions to benefit the team.”
However, rumours of a falling out have continued to persist. Now, on this occasion, it’s proven there’s no smoke without fire.
On Saturday, just before kick off, Arteta revealed that Aubameyang misses out due to a disciplinary breach.
He was keen to stress to the club’s official website, however, that all remains well between the pair.
“Unfortunately due to a disciplinary breach,” Arteta said. “I think we have been very consistent that we have certain non-negotiables in the team that we have set ourselves as a club. As a result, he’s not involved today.
“It’s all about patches, every player has patches and moments.
“It’s about trying to make the big moments and the good moments and the form when a player is scoring goals to try and maintain it, and try to reduce to the time when they don’t.”
Aubameyang axed and has struggled
Aubameyang has seven goals and two assists in 14 games this season. However, all has not felt quite right with the player this season.
Arteta touched upon his struggles prior to the match at Goodison. And in doing so, he did his best to put things in a positive light.
“You are always [concerned] when your main striker isn’t scoring goals but he is trying his hardest,” Arteta said.
“He is aware of how much we need him as a team to score goals. At the moment, they are not coming. But the rest of the things we are asking him to do, he is trying his best.
“What I said is that the senior players are the ones who have to lead and the younger players are the ones who have to follow,” he added.
“We need that balance in the performances on the pitch and as well off the field. We are getting that balance right. As a club, we have to continue not to rely too much on the rest and this is a team. It’s not two teams that are split, and we need that balance and to manage those moments.
“First of all [I will] keep demanding the best from everybody and ask them for things they can do and they can do well, and do well consistently – and that’s what I try to do all the time.”
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