Arsenal vs Rennes: 5 key players in another unnecessary nail-biter

1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Alexandre Lacazette did exactly what I asked him to do against Manchester United – he pulled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out of the dumps. Not only did it help us against United, but it will also prove instrumental against Rennes, seeing as how Lacazette will be a spectator for one more match, with this being the final in his three-match suspension for the atomic elbow against BATE Borisov.

It would have been a nervy situation, had Aubameyang not found his way back into his own good graces against United, then being asked to lead the attack against Rennes, but having scored that penalty and essentially triumphed over his own demise against Tottenham, he should be in a better mindset to do the job that needs doing as we seek to overturn this 3-1 scoreline.

Aubameyang is a deadly asset to this attack, and the fact that he has been out of sorts lately should only build anticipation towards a breakout match in the immediate future. Rennes would be the perfect time to do so, because it’s the last time he won’t have Lacazette ready and waiting to help him out if need be.

Plus, with the season winding down to a close, we need Aubameyang to get back into his scoring boots, not just to take home the Golden Boot, but to ensure that we lock down a Champions League place for next season.