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Arsenal managed a 4-0 victory over West Brom on Saturday.
These were arguably the best 90 minutes of football Arsenal have played with Mikel Arteta since he took office. Is that a damning statement considering how ghastly West Brom was at night? No way.
Arsenal have won games playing differently. Hell, they’ve lifted trophies by operating in a less than pleasant way.
The quality of the opposition, of course, will act as a warning to all the accolades directed at the Gunners after the 4-0 victory. But looking at it with less cynicism, the fact that Arsenal were able to dominate a Sam Allardyce team from the first minute to the last is a testament to the improvements made to the team. Arsenal have managed to make a name for themselves by being poor against… poor teams.
Bukayo Saka, Alexandre Lacazette and Kieran Tierney will earn the plaudits after that victory, their displays were excellent, and while the captain was singled out as well, it was for the wrong reasons.
Well, no quite.
In a season unlike any other in his career to date, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang showed marked signs of improvement despite being seen as the ‘weak link’ in the Hawthorns. Compared to the previous weeks, there was more intention with his movement and his work rate was relentless. Seeing him again between goals would have been the icing on an already deliciously decorated cake.
The weight of expectation has been lifted from his shoulders now the goals spring from other areas. As a result, he didn’t find the back of the net, but it was the most threatening it had been in weeks.
On Saturday, he attacked the publications, engaged in escapades and connected perfectly with Tierney. The left-back played more forward than on occasion, a sacrifice made to allow the Scotsman to use his superior ability to cross.
But still Aubamayeng was reaching the end of opportunities.
This was not a period display, of course. However, when you search for encouragement in the wake of recent performances, there was more than enough silence for some skeptics. Aubameyang was salivating for a goal for the Hawthorns. Before, you would have been happy to wait for leftovers.
Back-to-back home games against Crystal Palace and Newcastle are yet to come. Play like this and Aubameyang be rediscover his scoring touch.
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