Arteta predicts confidence boost for Arsenal after Carabao Cup rout

 

Mikel Arteta believes the confidence of Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be “great” after he bagged a hat-trick against West Brom.

Aubameyang, who contracted Covid-19 earlier this month, started his first game of the season against West Brom in the Carabao Cup second round tie and he scored three times during the 6-0 win.

Alexandre Lacazette, Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe also got in on the act as Arsenal cruised past a West Brom team that included 11 changes and cost just £10m.

The win was a much-needed one for the Gunners, who have lost their opening two Premier League games, and Arteta also felt it was important for Aubameyang to find his feet.

“When you lose a game, as quick as possible you have to win,” Arteta said.

“Today’s game is going to give us some confidence. We had players who played some first minutes.

“Auba after his Covid, to get some minutes and score three goals for his confidence is going to be great. Overall I think it was a really positive night.”

Aubameyang seemed to revel playing in front of a full crowd again, and he gave his shirt to fans at he full-time whistle.

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Asked if playing in front of fans could bring the best out of the forward, Arteta said: “I hope they do.

“Obviously he is a really happy character and he needs that connection with people; with family, with friends, with fans.

“You could see the interaction when he left the pitch and I think that is something really positive for him, yes.”