Carragher: Aubameyang could become ‘another Ozil situation’ after ‘lazy’ performances
Jamie Carragher said Arsenal “may have another Mesut Ozil situation” on their hands after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s “lazy” performances this season.
Aubameyang was taken off with 13 minutes to go in the 3-0 defeat to Liverpool following another dismal performance from the captain, who has scored only nine Premier League goals this season after signing a new three-year contract at the Emirates last summer.
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A poor run of form has been compounded by Mikel Arteta’s decision to drop his captain for the north London derby last month after he reported late for the game. While the Gunners went on to win that match 2-1, Aubameyang has not scored a single goal for his club since, missing a hatful of chances in the Europa League against Olympiakos before being subbed off against West Ham – and again this weekend against Liverpool.
Carragher said: “I think Aubameyang’s performances this season have been lazy, at times. I don’t care how many goals he gets – he’s won Golden Boots in the past – but he’s definitely a player who doesn’t bring anything to this team if he doesn’t score a goal, and that’s a big problem.
“I watched him last week at West Ham, and I’ve watched him four or five times this season, and I’m thinking I need more. I need more from you, and that’s exactly what we saw on Saturday against Liverpool.
“He was late for the north London derby and the manager took a big decision, and it paid off. I’m expecting a reaction from Aubameyang. He then plays midweek, misses a few chances and he’s not at his best in the Europa League game.
“I watched him at West Ham and I’d go as far as to say it is one of the worst performances I’ve seen this season. I was commentating on the game and when he went off the pitch in the 77th minute, Arsenal scored and he celebrated with (Alexandre) Lacazette, and I said that’s the most energetic I’ve seen him this season.