Arsenal captain Aubameyang facing make or break Slavia Prague tie

After the wastefulness of Olivier Giroud and the transfer disaster of Lucas Perez, Alexandre Lacazette and, later, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s arrivals at Arsenal were a breath of fresh air. Here were two star strikers who, albeit their different strengths, could score goals and contribute consistently in the final third.

While Alexandre Lacazette has waxed and waned with his effectiveness, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been nothing short of world class. This season, however, he has faltered and his performances have been dreadful.

This entire season has been one filled with inconsistencies. Rousing victories have been directly followed by timid displays; injuries abound; players blowing hot and cold. When Aubameyang signed a contract extension in September, the entire fan base rejoiced.

The talisman of the squad who had scored goal after goal for the club got the pay rise and respect he deserved. Nobody could have foreseen the drastic drop off that has hampered the Gabonese striker for much of this season.

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Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang facing make or break Slavia Prague Europa League tie after dreadful season

Aubameyang has always been a player that might be absent for the majority of games, but would always pop up in the right place in the right time for clutch moments. But with the lack of creativity earlier in the season, the goals dried up. Aubameyang’s intelligent movement requires forward thinking, forward passing players and the insistence to go backwards meant that the forward was left stranded.

After the Chelsea game, however, Mikel Arteta seemed to have discovered the magic formula. Playing three technical players behind a striker seemed to create all sorts of problems for opposing defenses. Worryingly, however, Aubameyang has still looked a shadow of his former self.

The lowest point in the past few weeks was Arteta dropping him for the north London derby. Cited as being late, Aubameyang did not even come off the bench. He nonetheless started against Benfica in a show of goodwill and to help him get his confidence back. A glut of gilt-edged chances were created with Aubameyang missing numerous sitters. His confidence plunged.

The game against West Ham was even worse. The former Borussia Dortmund man barely touched the ball and was substituted early while the Gunners were still hunting for a way back into the game. The next matchday was one against Liverpool and was marked by an abject team display.

It can be easy to write off poor individual performances, especially when considering the exceptional quality of the Liverpool squad. Yet the trend of disappointing displays means that Aubameyang may be dropped sooner rather than later.

Fortunately, Arsenal have a match coming that appears to be easy on paper. Home and away legs against Slavia Prague might just be what Aubameyang needs to get back to his roaring best. The captain’s goals and smile will be required as Arteta’s side look to a season-defining juncture. It’s make or break time for Aubameyang and the Gunners.