Unai Emery had plenty of highs at Arsenal before his tenure at the Emirates took a turn for the worse.
During the 2018/19 season, it looked as though Arsenal had struck gold by recruiting Emery as Arsene Wenger’s successor.
The former Arsenal manager took his team on a 13-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League, enjoying the squad he had inherited from Wenger.
One of the players Emery was most fortunate to inherit was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whom Wenger signed in January 2018, months before his farewell.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang punishes Unai Emery in pre-season
Aubameyang was a top parting gift from Wenger to Arsenal, with the striker rapidly becoming a fan favourite.
The Gabon international scored 41 goals in 67 appearances under Emery’s guidance, with the former boss calling the striker a ‘killer’ when speaking about him before the coach’s Villarreal side took on Arsenal in 2021.
Back then, Emery was desperate not to see his former forward punish his team, a stance that was maintained this year.
In a pre-season game, Emery’s Aston Villa recently clashed with Marseille, whom Aubameyang has just signed for.
Coming off the bench, the 36-year-old reminded Emery why he branded him a ‘killer’, scoring a brace to punish Villa, who lost the game 3-1.
Since Aubameyang’s falling out with Arteta, the forward has been on the move rather frequently, embarking on five transfers since his Arsenal exit in 2022.
Emery loved Aubameyang at Arsenal
While Arteta had problems with Aubameyang, Emery couldn’t say anything but good things about the player.
Speaking in December 2018, the former manager showed his support in making Aubameyang one of the Premier League’s best.
“I want his challenge to be that he has the opportunity to be the best scorer in the Premier League,” Emery said after Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Tottenham.
The ex-boss certainly stuck to his word, as that season, the Gabonese talisman won the Golden Boot, scoring 22 goals.
Emery got the best out of Aubameyang at the Emirates, always understanding the quality of the striker.
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