Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Manchester City: 5 key players to watch — Doing what he does best

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 03: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal scores his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on February 3, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was signed for games like this. £56 million demands performances when it matters most, and there are few games that matter more than this one this season. Thankfully, he is built for this type of game.

Aubameyang comes from a high-pressing style at Borussia Dortmund. Thanks to his searing pace and incessant athleticism, he has both the engine and natural speed to hound and harass the City defenders. If Arsenal are to recover possession high up the pitch and exploit wayward, errant passes, it could well come through the pressure that Aubameyang can exert.

Similarly, Aubameyang is an expert of the counter-attack. Not only does he have the quickness and long-speed to break free from opposing defences with space to scamper into, but he has great timing and direction with his runs, seeking out the channels to exploit, not allowing himself to be caught offside time and time again.

Next: Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Predicted starting XI

These are the games that suit Aubameyang. The tight, tense affairs are not his cup of tea. This is very much his bread and butter. Let’s hope that he can deliver, then, exactly when it is needed.