Arsenal Vs Manchester City: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may not like it

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has stated this week that he prefers to play up front. He may not like the Arsenal plan for Sunday’s trip to Manchester City, then.

The respective roles of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have been troubling issues for Unai Emery all season. Although the two individually have been successful, combining for 24 league goals already this season, their presence leading the line has caused problems at other areas on the pitch.

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Predominantly, Emery has wanted to play both as centre-forwards. But in the modern game, sacrificing control of the midfield is rarely a path to success, and by playing two up-front, it often leaves a numerical disadvantage in the middle of the pitch. Arsenal have experienced these issues this season.

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That has led to a rather muddled experimentation by Emery to see in what ways he squeeze both Aubameyang and Lacazette into the same team without sacrificing that third central midfielder. One of those ideas to play Aubameyang out wide, either on the left or right. But Aubameyang, speaking with Sky Sports this week, stated that he is not the biggest fan of the idea:

"“My favourite role is playing striker, in front. I also like playing on the wing, but I think my best position is striker. I like to play with two up front, it’s nice because you can do some combinations with the other strikers. If the coach needs me on the right or on the left, it doesn’t matter, I go and I fight for the team, it’s no problem.”"

Aubamayeng has proven that his more than willing and able to play a wide role. He does not shirk the defensive side of the position and plays in a manner comparable to Mohamed Salah and Raheem Sterling, pushed up onto the shoulder of the opposition defence, making outside-to-inside runs in behind. But as he states himself, it is not his favoured or best-suited role.

Nevertheless, it is likely the one he will have to play on Sunday. Arsenal face the daunting task of travelling to Manchester City. There might not be a more difficult game in the Premier League this season. City always dominate the ball. They control the game through extended periods of possession and force opponents to defend deep in their own territory.

To play against City with two centre-forwards is a very risky strategy. Arsenal would have to commit to pressing high up the pitch and they would simply then need to try to contain the midfield as best as possible, perhaps allowing a little more space for the full backs out wide. I cannot see Emery taking on such an ambitious plan. That leaves just one consequence: Aubameyang out wide.

It may be a role that he does not like. But it might well be one that he has to play on Sunday. Thankfully, he has proven himself more than willing.