Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has not scored a goal in five league matches. This is the first time he done so in five-years while there are bigger concerns over his all-around contributions.
The Arsenal star, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has been criticized over “drop off” in standards since signing a new three-year deal with Arsenal. Since signing the agreement, the forward has scored once in six matches and displayed a notable dip in form.
His only strike came in last week’s Europa League over Rapid Vienna. This means he has drawn a blank in his previous Premier League outings.
As a result, former England striker Darren Bent feels it’s not just Aubameyang’s goal return that is lacking.
Bent said, “there has been a drop-off. You look at his form in the semi-final and the final of the FA Cup last season, the Community Shield and his performance. He was arguably one of the best strikers in the Premier League. Probably THE BEST”.
“But since he signed that new contract, it might be a coincidence. But he’s looked a shadow of himself. He’s missed big opportunities in games, he’s not working with the same intensity, he doesn’t look like he’s enjoying it as much”.
Additionally, Arsenal as a whole has come under scrutiny in recent matches. Their forwards have struggled with creativity in the final third.
In their defeat to Manchester City and Leicester, Arsenal’s front line barely troubled the opponent’s goalkeepers.
Bent continued, “listen, confidence is massive in a striker. It is with any player but particularly with a center-forward when you are used to scoring as many goals as he is and then you suddenly stop scoring. It can be a little bit of concern”.
“But I think it’s even the work rate as well. You remember he was putting shifts up and down, he was all over the place. But he’s been nowhere near that level recently”.