Revealed: Arsenal’s attack is better without Aubameyang
Robin Bairner
- 5 Mar 2022 10:43 GMT
- 3 min read
Arsenal’s decision to transfer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Barcelona during the January transfer window appears to be a decision that is paying off for everyone.
Aubameyang has rediscovered his form at Camp Nou by scoring four times in four league matches while Barca are clearly benefitting from the presence of the Gabon star as they have scored four goals in each of their last three games.
But back at Arsenal, too, they are thriving, despite the controversial decision in January not to replace Aubameyang by dipping into the transfer market.
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The statistics are clear: Arsenal are performing better without Aubameyang in their team than with him.
Before the attacker moved to Barcelona on Transfer Deadline Day, he was initially dropped by manager Mikel Arteta due to disciplinary reasons, then he spent time away on international duty and finally had to sit out due to a minor heart issue. Not that the Spaniard had planned on playing him in any case.
The watershed moment came on December 6, when he was relegated to the bench against Everton – the last time that Aubameyang played for Arsenal.
Despite the absence of their highest paid player, the Gunners’ offensive performance actually got better.
They leapt from scoring 1.2 goals per game to 2.1 – not too far away from double. Equally, the volume and quality of shots they have mustered in the post-Aubameyang era have also improved.
Even in terms of possession, they enjoy considerably more control over games.
Why are Arsenal better without Aubameyang?
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta tried to explain this phenomenon.
“I think there are many reasons attached to that,” the Arsenal manager said. “First of all, the understanding of what we want is clearer. We have a fit squad, without too many disturbances for a long period.
The team now has better cohesion and better understanding
- Mikel Arteta“That has allowed us to play a certain team more regularly and that team now has better cohesion and better understanding. Their qualities fit to make each other better.
“And then, obviously, when you get results, confidence builds up, belief builds up and the rest is a consequence of that.”
So was the decision to sell Aubameyang to Barcelona the right one?
“We always make decisions in the best interests of the club and to get the best performances from the team,” Arteta said.
On this occasion, the Gunners management appear to have called it absolutely right.
