Arteta reveals new Arsenal captain after Aubameyang decision

Mikel Arteta has revealed that the ‘leadership group’ will share the Arsenal captaincy following the decision to strip Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the armband.

Left out of the squad that beat Southampton 3-0, the manager announced that the 32-year-old had a ‘disciplinary breach’ that prompted the decision, heightening speculation that Aubameyang would be removed from his position.

On the Tuesday leading up to West Ham clash, a statement published on the club’s official website broke the news.

"It read: “Following his latest disciplinary breach last week, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will no longer be our club captain, and will not be considered for selection for Wednesday’s match against West Ham United."

https://twitter.com/footballdaily/status/1470751117470576640

Mikel Arteta reveals new Arsenal captain decision after stripping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the armband

"“We expect all our players, particularly our captain, to work to the rules and standards we have all set and agreed.“We are fully focused on tomorrow’s match.”"

His latest infraction proved to be the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Addressing the media in his Premier League pre-match press conference, Arteta expanded on the decision to strip the Gabon international of the armband.

"He said: “I don’t have much more to say. I think it’s a really clear statement from the club. It’s a decision we’ve made following the last incident we had with the player and this is where we stand.”"

Following on with who would take on the armband in Aubameyang’s stead, Arteta revealed the club will follow the “leadership group” in terms of the next captains. That suggests, as had been revealed earlier in the season, that Alexandre Lacazette will be first choice captain, Granit Xhaka as vice-captain and Rob Holding third in line. It’s like a 2019 throwback.

It is, however, the right decision to make.

Aubameyang had overstepped the line and jumping to a conclusion at this stage with a new permanent captain was unnecessary. There is no need to rush.

Add in that the three in question may all be leaving the club come the end of the season and this allows those gunning for the role full-time to audition over the next six months.

Of course, it would have been preferable for none of this to have happened. Without any shadow of a doubt. However, this decision was the right one for Arteta to make. He couldn’t let this stand.

Full focus on West Ham, and the inevitable Oscar win for the Amazon All or Nothing documentary.