Are Arsenal about to see the return of the real Aubameyang?

It’s what all Arsenal fans want to see: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang firing on all cylinders. The player who notched the 2018/19 Premier League Golden Boot award has been missing for a while.

There was a glimpse of the player who struck fear into opposing teams against West Brom. A well-taken hat-trick led some to believe the Gabon international could be back to his goalscoring best.

However, against Manchester City, Aubameyang just like the rest of his teammates was largely (entirely) anonymous. A side like the Citizens was always going to be a difficult proposition for the striker as he was going to be starved of service for large portions of the game, but the passiveness nonetheless returned.

But, in Arsenal’s next run of fixtures, they’re expected to control the majority of proceedings and Aubameyang could get his fair share of opportunities in front of net.

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After a underwhelming campaign last season, Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang needs to rediscover his lethal form against Norwich

Much of this will largely depend on where Mikel Arteta chooses to play him. Centrally is where he is best suited and almost every supporter will echo that sentiment. Funnily enough, this is where he was deployed against West Brom. That worked out OK.

Against the Baggies, Aubameyang’s pace and movement in central areas caused all sorts of problems as Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard constantly played him in behind as he beat the misaligned offside trap with ease.

The inclusion of Odegaard is designed, among other things, to help Aubameyang’s goal output and the Norwegian is exactly the sort of visionary playmaker to aid that cause.

Many have pointed out the opposition and while that does have some validity, Aubameyang still had to have the keenness of movement, predatory instincts and, most importantly, the finishing touch to convert the chances that came his way.

Indeed, it was no secret that Aubameyang had a down year last season; he was hugely disappointing in front of goal. There were several factors which contributed to this, as we all know, and hopefully, all of those are now behind him. Even in the first three weeks of the season Aubameyang had a bout of COVID-19 which threatened to derail his league campaign, but he’s back fit and among the action.

Now it appears he is ready to roll. The international break had come at the perfect time not only for Aubameyang but for Arsenal, too. After what could only be described as a calamitous start to the season, Arsenal has had two weeks to recharge and refresh.

Players are now returning with Gabriel and Ben White playing minutes together as they look to build up a partnership in the lead-up to the Norwich game, while another new face came through the door.

Thomas Partey has strong chance of returning to the side with Xhaka out for three matches after his red card against City, so we could see the much talked about Albert Sambi Lokonga/Partey tandem. Odegaard also has another two weeks of training and playing under his belt, all of which can only be beneficial for Aubameyang.

Fans are hoping to see the No. 14 rediscover that form that saw him labeled one of the best strikers on the planet. He has a run of games to prove he still has what it takes to lead the line and against opposition that he would fancy scoring against. Arsenal’s season hinges on the captain finding the back of the net.

Yet after his exploits against West Brom, it is clear he still has some gas in the tank. We just have to see it consistently.

Here’s to hoping we see a Aubameyang in full flight at the Emirates when Norwich comes to town in the Premier League. We’re pinning our hopes on it.