Dropping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sustains Arsenal’s foundation – Mikel Arteta
Posted Monday, March 15, 2021 by PA
Mikel Arteta said he axed captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Sunday’s north London derby victory over 10-man Tottenham to sustain Arsenal’s long-term “foundation”.
The Gunners skipper was dropped to the bench for a breach of the club’s pre-match protocol as he watched his team-mates come from behind to win 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium.
Alexandre Lacazette replaced Aubameyang and scored the winner through a second-half penalty after Martin Odegaard had earlier cancelled out a sublime rabona finish from Spurs substitute Erik Lamela – who was later sent off for picking up two quick bookings as the visitors chased the game.
With both sides very much of the periphery of the race for the Premier League top four and no Emirates Stadium crowd, it felt like a shadow of previous north London derbies.
But this was a big win for Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta, especially after his decision to leave out Aubameyang before kick-off.
Asked why it was important for him to set such standards by dropping his captain for a crunch game, Arteta replied: “Because for me they are the foundation and the platform that we can build something medium and long-term that is sustainable and that can bring us joy and happiness.
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