Arsenal: 3 established stars to watch during pre-season

1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Last season was certainly one to forget for the otherwise prolific goalscorer. On-field difficulties were compounded by off-field personal issues. A disappointing campaign being capped by his marked absence from the North London derby for turning up late.

The tendrils of rumors involving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s unhappiness extended from the dressing room. Thankfully, these disappeared as quickly as they had appeared, proving to be nothing but media gossip. The relationship between manager and captain has remained intact.

And this bond will be crucial in ensuring that Aubameyang is back to his best before the campaign gets under way. Arteta was reluctant to play the captain through the middle in the early stages of last season as he clearly wants a center-forward who can drop deep and help the team with link up play – a decision he finally waned from.

This is not Aubameyang’s strength. The Gabon international has a positive attitude due to his strong relationship with Arteta and as such, he plays wherever needed to the best of his ability. The best of his ability, however, is scoring goal after goal. He needs to be positioned majorly in between the posts, making intelligent, incisive runs behind the defense and into the box.

While Aubameyang is not clinical, he will score sooner rather than later if chances are created. His confidence and form took a nose dive last season and he hasn’t been able to break through this rut yet. He’s missed some big chances.

But there are positives to this. The main positive is that opportunities are coming his way. He’s finally being played as a striker and chances are finally coming his way. He will put them away sooner rather than later. This team’s success depends on it.