Arsenal: It’s about time to consider benching Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Look, all players go through bad form. I think it’s important to state this at the start, just because a player is going through a dry patch, it is not a testament to who they are. However, even the best players need to be benched when they are going through such form, especially for a sustained period of time like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has at Arsenal.

Ever since he signed the bumper contract extension, he has not been scoring nearly enough as he should be. The reason why he is Arsenal’s highest earner and their captain is because of the standards he’s set, so to see him dip in form so soon after one of his best seasons is concerning.

Obviously, Aubameyang has seen his fair share of personal problems this season which has seen him out of the starting XI and apart from his obvious hat-trick, the Gunners haven’t exactly missed him in the lineup.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be firing for Arsenal again

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I’m not saying the Gabon international’s career at Arsenal is over; of course it isn’t. Aubameyang has a lot to give, but until he sorts his form out, other players need to be given a chance. Take last night’s game against Manchester City for example, I have no idea why Alexandre Lacazette didn’t start the match because Aubameyang didn’t provide much.

There are players that could play in this position that deserve to, not just Lacazette. Gabriel Martinelli has been on the cusp of a start for weeks now, so perhaps the Europa League second leg against Benfica could see him get the start up front.

And as for the end of the season, Aubameyang will want to finish it on a high. Some time to reflect on what’s going wrong will do him the world of good and I am certain that over time, the goals will soon find Aubameyang. Form is temporary, class is permanent.

What do you make of Aubameyang’s displays?