Alan Smith has claimed that Arsenal’s hopes against Spurs will pin on one man’s form, with captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang key to their hopes.
The Sky Sports pundit gave an in depth preview of the upcoming derby match, and pin-pointed Spurs newboys as the ones to be targeting, namely Christian Romero and Emerson Royal, an area which you would expect to see Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in, either drifting in from the side when fielded at CF, or if the manager opts to return him to the left-wing.
Should Arteta agree that Auba is the man best to exploit our rival’s right-hand side, it could well mean a first Premier League start of the season for Alexandre Lacazette, who is has plenty of of experience linking up with the former Dortmund forward when he plays out wide.
Smith believes that the coming weeks will be telling to see if the team can get the best out of Auba.
‘It’s going to be interesting to see Arsenal’s attack against Tottenham’s defence, given those creative players and if Arsenal can get Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang moving and making good runs and playing with confidence,’ Smith wrote in his preview for for Sky Sports on the North London Derby.
‘Tottenham have got a couple of new boys in Emerson Royal and Cristian Romero and that might be an area that Arsenal can exploit, perhaps down the left flank.
‘Just like Spurs, that’s the strength for Arsenal: the creative players they’ve got. They’ve got energy, ideas, real talent there.
‘In the coming weeks, if those creative players just behind Aubameyang can build up a relationship with the centre forward, then you’re in business. But so much depends on Aubameyang.
‘If it’s all falling down with him, if he’s not making the runs, if he’s not finishing his opportunities, then all that creativity comes to nothing.’
Does Aubameyang still deserve to be put on a pedestal? Which other players offer a credible goal threat for Arsenal?
Patrick
“all that creativity comes to nothing” WTF Alan???
I hope Auba regains his form, I really do, but realistically we can’t bank in that happening. He’s scored one tap-in in the league and a hat trick against a West brom youth team in the cup so far, and still not looked like a top CF. Need to see a lot more before I can believe it’s really going to happen.
Sadly I have a feeling he’s not the player of 2 years ago anymore, and we really need to move on ASAP – by that I mean start using Laca in the short term and maybe Nketiah, if he can show he’s capable of that, and go for a proper striker in the next transfer window; doesn’t have to be a prime world class player, but someone who can contribute immediately, with scope to get better.
Tired of all these talks of “playing to Auba’s strength” “building team around him”. Players (strikers) his age adapt and modify their games having lost a yard of pace. He doesn’t look capable of doing anything meaningful to contribute to the team on the pitch. Can’t keep the ball, can’t link up, can’t give the simplest of passes in attacking moves, can’t relieve pressure, can’t win headers, can’t match center backs, can’t do nothing except run around aimlessly.
Play Auba on the left, Saka on the right and let Laca lead the line. Laca has got good link up and hold up play which will allow Auba to cut in.