Aubameyang refuses to point the finger of blame squarely at Arsenal’s defenders
Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has refused to blame individuals for the Gunners’ poor second-half display against Watford.
The Gabon international bagged a brace to put Arsenal in a commanding position before defensive errors allowed Watford to claim a point.
Who is to blame for Arsenal’s defensive woes? Five key things to know…
- Arsenal have conceded eight goals this season – more than any of the current top six.
- They led 2-0 at half-time against Watford at the weekend.
- A poor give away by Sokratis led to the Hornets’ first goal.
- David Luiz then gave away a careless penalty for the Watford equaliser.
- Aubameyang has refused to blame individuals, despite being frustrated with the display.
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The Gunners have consistently made errors in defence this season and they threw away another commanding lead at Vicarage Road, despite being in total control at the interval.
Aubameyang scored a brace, courtesy of two neat finishes, but a defensive howler by Greek centre-back Sokratis gave the Hornets a way back into the game.
The defender gave away possession, allowing Gerard Deulofeu to play in Tom Cleverley for a simple finish before David Luiz gave away another penalty, which Roberto Pereyra converted.
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Aubameyang was frustrated by the collapse but refused to point fingers at his teammates, hinting that attackers also had to shoulder some responsibility.
“Obviously we didn’t expect that [the comeback],” the 30-year-old told Canal Plus (as per Goal).
“We knew that they were going to try and come back with good intentions, of the kind they demonstrated in the second half.
“Sadly, we were not able to deal with them well. I feel like we are literally giving goals to the opposition, it is up to us to progress in that respect.”
Even though Sokratis has since apologised for his mistake on Instagram, his former Dortmund teammate is adamant one player should not take full responsibility.
“I don’t want to accuse anyone, you could say that us the attackers could have killed the game off and score a third goal, so I am not going to say it is someone’s fault,” he added.
“It is a shame to concede goals like we did… I think it [Alexandre Lacazette’s absence through injury] affects us.
“We know very well that he brings us so much in these sorts of games.”
The Gunners are hoping that Kieran Tierney, Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding will be able to return to action soon with all three expected to step up their fitness in training this week.
Arsenal face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League on Thursday and then host Aston Villa in the Premier League next weekend.
