Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is arguably Arsenal’s most crucial player since he came to the Emirates Stadium. His goals have bailed out the team on multiple occasions, but he also goes the extra mile to help the team in other aspects. He can be seen tracking back to help out in defence and midfield, easing the pressure on beleaguered teammates. Careful monitoring of his game in the past couple of weeks will show him running to and fro along the wings, trying to knock out attacks and put his side on the front foot.
During one such attempt to shut down Max Meyer of Crystal Palace, he caught the player high on the ankle. Initially given a yellow card, it was changed to red following VAR intervention. Arsenal’s subsequent appeal was not upheld. Considering the nature of the tackle, it’s surprising the club challenged the decision at all, particularly when VAR so rarely changes on-field decisions in the Premier League. It is an indication of the desperation of the club and a compliment to the importance of Auba. The Gunners had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
It’s now an issue of how the team will cope. Alexandre Lacazette’s form has suffered this season. Aubameyang has, therefore, had the goalscoring responsibility almost all on him. Another player can profit from these circumstances although the former Lyon guy must step up now.
Eddie Nketiah will make his mark if given the chance. The 20-year-old spent the first half of this season on loan at Leeds. Five goals and an assist in 19 appearances for the Peacocks does not inspire but the Londoner largely came off the bench while Marcelo Bielsa plumped for Patrick Bamford as the lone striker. When you see that Nketiah played only 663 minutes and averaged a goal participation every 110, the outlook changes. With Lacazette, Auba and Gabrielle Martinelli ahead him in the Gunners’ pecking order, he might go to another Championship side who will play with him on loan. That should not rule out Arteta looking at him while he is back in the group, however.
Going up against the stalwart defence of Sheffield United is an interesting opportunity for him. Chelsea is the middle game of the three Aubameyang will miss. Arteta might want to give him a chance against a pliable rearguard even though the Blues will be fired up by a derby tilt. The final game is Bournemouth away. The Cherries are in a rough spot, at this time. Provided a start in one or two of these games, Nketiah may make an impression on Arteta. Arsenal are favourites for this match, according to the list of best online casinos in Nigeria, pricing them at 2/1.
However you view his time at Elland Road, he fit well in Unai Emery’s system at Arsenal. He scored four times in the preseason, earning Man of the Match honours against Bayern Munich with a goal, along with another notable strike against Fiorentina.
Turning to the likes of Martinelli and Nketiah could help salvage an effort in ruins. In 10th place, 11 points behind Chelsea with five clubs in between, a Champions League place is almost out of reach. Even a Europa League berth is a challenge. Yet, you can still bet on Arsenal in 2020 by using new casino sites, and you might get lucky. Without continental soccer, the club may lose Aubameyang and Lacazette the following season. Offering the young Brazilian and English forwards starts would signify forward thinking from Arteta. Looking to the future, at least in the short-term, is all the Spaniard and Arsenal can do at this time.
