The Warm Down: Aubameyang back on form

Arsenal's losing run came to an end at Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening, as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang netted his first Premier League hat trick. 

The Warm Down: Aubameyang back on form
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Pierre Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal holds the match ball after scoring a Hat-Trick during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on February 14, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
joshua-fletcher
By Joshua Fletcher

After suffering back-to-back defeats at Wolves and Aston Villa, The Gunners' returned to winning ways at home against an in-form Leeds United. Goals from Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and Hector Bellerin secured a 4-2 home win. 

Bukayo Saka proved yet again how dangerous he can be winning two penalties for his side, although one was overturned, he was a nuisance to the Leeds defence and should have scored in the second half.  

Hector Bellerin impressed for the first time in a while, capping a lovely team move to score a great goal to give Arsenal a 3-0 lead going into half time.

The right-back has struggled for form and consistency this season, but netted his first goal of the campaign on a good evening all round for Arsenal

  • Captain Aubameyang back on form

It has been an atypical season for Aubameyang, who before the Leeds game had five Premier League goals in 19 appearances, a stark comparison to last season’s return of 22 goals in 36, and 12 after 19 games. 

The club captain has had a tough season, not only with a lack of service and creative force behind him, but with the loss of a family member forcing him to miss two games at the end of January. 

It was a vintage Aubameyang performance, playing in his favoured position through the middle, he was allowed space and chances to cut inside on his right foot, which is how he netted his first goal. 

His second came from the penalty spot, after Bukayo Saka won the spotkick after drawing a foul from Leeds keeper Illan Meslier, the Arsenal captain smashed his penalty in the right side of the net.

Todays’ man of the match performance will do the captain the world of good for his confidence and hopefully allows him to kick on for the rest of the season. 

  • Team selection 

For seemingly the first time in a while, Mikel Arteta got his team selection correct. On the face of it, there were some surprising decisions, dropping Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette confused fans, considering the strong form of the pair.

New signing Martin Ødegaard lined up alongside Emile Smith-Rowe, many Arsenal fans predicting the young Englishman to be given a rest, having started the last 10 Premier League games, and an FA Cup appearance. 

David Luiz and Bernd Leno returned to the side having served their suspension following their red cards received against Wolves.

Another injury for Thomas Partey brought Dani Ceballos into the midfield alongside Granit Xhaka which gave the hosts some more attacking flair, which suited their opponents, unfavourable defensive history.