Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang wrote his captain’s notes on Arsenal’s official matchday programme ahead of our game against Southampton this evening.
The Gunners go into the game with zero confidence. We haven’t won a game in the Premier League since the start of November, and our attacking woes are one of the biggest reasons why.
Aubameyang – our top scorer in the last two seasons – has scored just twice in the league this term. Alexandre Lacazette is also struggling despite his bright start to the campaign, while Willian is proving to be one of our worst signings in recent years.
The Brazilian picked up two assists on his debut but has managed just one in his next 14 appearances. Arsenal fans have been urging Mikel Arteta to drop him, and our wish might just come true later today.
Nicolas Pepe is available after serving his suspension. The Ivorian has shown flashes of his brilliance in an Arsenal shirt so far, but he hasn’t quite been consistent enough.
Aubameyang agrees with that assessment but the Arsenal skipper feels it’s only a matter of time before Pepe shows everyone the type of player he is.
Auba: Pepe is a fantastic player
He wrote: “Myself and Laca are always with him at the training ground and we always support each other and try to help each other out. We often think and talk to each other about how we can do things better and what we can improve. But I know Nico is a fantastic player.”
“I think he just needs to find the right way to be consistent in these games. And that’s it really, that’s all he needs, but for sure with time he’s going to show everyone the type of player that we are waiting to see. I hope he can make a difference now his suspension is over.”
Pepe is expected to start against the Saints tonight. Arsenal desperately need a win, and if the Ivorian can help achieve that, he will nail down a starting spot ahead of Willian, who looks nothing like the player he once was.
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