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Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle: 4 Things We Learned From FA Cup Win

By Ross Kennerley

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring their sides first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 09, 2021 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring their sides first goal during the FA Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at Emirates Stadium on January 09, 2021 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Aubameyang, Arsenal
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 09: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Mikel Arteta’s Desperation for Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng to Score

Whether you’re world class or not, a striker not scoring is worrisome. That was only his fourth goal from open play this season – discounting the Community Shield – and first since Southampton in mid-December.

Not being found when the runs are made, not working hard enough and being generally less bothered have all been mentioned as potential reasons for his form this season. Having got to this point, it’s all somewhat irrelevant. He just needs to score.

Likely to get the nod against Crystal Palace on Thursday, watching him play the full 120 minutes felt unnecessary. It became apparent after the game that Mikel Arteta didn’t echo such sentiments. In his mind, he had to score. Whether a tap-in or a screamer, the monkey had to be removed from his back.

"“Yes. I think it was really important [that he scored],” Arteta told the official club site. “He played it nicely at the end, I think it was a great goal the second one. I’m delighted for him because he’s been working so hard and he deserves it.”"

Next. Shocking Willian Outshone. dark

If you’re willing to play the captain for that length of time just to score from three yards, it tells you plenty about the emotions Aubameyang has been going through. As a confidence booster it will do him the world of good. Tierney playing in the same side as him would help, too.

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