Arsenal: I really, really like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out wide

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang again played out wide in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Burnley. I have always been a proponent of the idea, and now, I really, really like it.

When Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arrived in North London, it wasn’t quite known how he and current Arsenal forward Alexandre Lacazette would fit into the same team. Not only are they central strikers who have primarily furrowed a lone role for much of their careers, but they play in a very similar fashion, exploiting extremely sharp, fast-paced movement to take advantage of tight spaces in and around the penalty area.

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It just didn’t seem like a very natural fit at all. In fact, it was more likely that Aubameyang came to supplant, not supplement, Lacazette.

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However, as we have seen on a number of occasions now, Arsene Wenger has a solution to the problem — whether that solution will be continued next season under the new manager, no one knows, but at least Wenger has proven that it is possible to whoever is next. His solution is to shift Aubameyang out to the left wing, but field him an extremely advanced wide role, almost as a half-striker, half-winger type position that supports Lacazette centrally.

It was this system that Wenger implemented against Burnley on Sunday afternoon as his Arsenal side dismantled the Clarets with a ruthless pace and precision that was breathtaking to behold at times. And at the heart of it all was Aubameyang and Lacazette, the duo notching three goals and two assists between them, with Lacazette laying on Aubameyang for the opening goal of the game.

But for me, it was Aubameyang that I couldn’t take my eyes off. He was utterly scintillating. His pace shocks every time that he turns the afterburners on, even though that I am perfectly aware of how quick he is, his touch and link-up play are improving with every game, and he even showed a new side to his game against Burnley as he looked to beat defenders one-on-one.

I have always been a proponent of shifting Aubameyang out wide to accommodate Lacazette. There were a couple of games earlier in the year when Wenger made the formation change late in games when introducing Lacazette from off the bench, and in limited minutes, it looked like a possible avenue that was worth exploring. Well, now, I am only more convinced.

Some may suggest that it is not the best use of Aubameyang’s talents. And they may have a point. However, for the betterment of the collective team, I feel that having a real speedy option on the flank opens up all kind of space in central areas for the myriad of creative, technical midfielders that Arsenal boast to work their magic in.

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It was a tactic that worked brilliantly against Burnley. I hope to see it in the final two games of the season. I really, really like Aubameyang out wide. Hopefully, he will be utilised there next season.