It’s becoming abundantly clear that Arsenal shouldn’t have extended the contract of their captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. In fact, the next unenviable step for Mikel Arteta is to drop the Gabon hitman and eventually phase him out in a way that looks like his decision. He was always a poor fit as captain, a decision based on his goals and general contribution, but with both missing from his recent outings, we need no longer hide our heads in the sand.

Gabriel Martinelli’s skill was evident in the last gasp goal against Newcastle United when a wonderful over-the-top long ball from Tomiyasu dropped out of the sky catching Newcastle cold. The time of the run, the ability to keep the ball in his sights as it came overhead and into his path and the execution were that of a world-class striker with sublime technical ability and vision. The Brazilian’s goal after 93 seconds and just two touches when taking to the field as a replacement for Saka serves as a reminder to the Spanish manager to act quickly and decisively.

Martinelli has had to wait his turn which has been frustrating for all concerned. The reluctance to take the handbrake off for the Brazilian has resulted in many fans claiming that he isn’t rated by the manager, but the opposite is true of the Arsenal fanbase. They believe in Martinelli and by the same token, they’ve lost faith and patience in Aubameyang.

Aubameyang seems to have become a peripheral figure at Arsenal who blows hot and extremely cold. This inconsistency has seen him disappear in big and important games, including the clash against Liverpool where a lively and sharp performance was required. He can blame the service if he chooses, but the top strikers often make their own chances, stray out of position to make their presence felt in a game, or display their desire by mixing it up with defenders.

Aubameyang isn’t built that way, he lacks physicality or the willingness to get involved with the rough stuff and the blueprint of hanging out wide on the left to eventually cut in has become textbook and highly predictable. The fact is he has failed to develop his game against different oppositions in the most difficult league in the world and he has become a luxury that Arsenal can ill-afford.

The Gunners are suffering a goal shortage and the figures suggest that Edu needs to bring in a proven goal scorer or promote a player from within the club. Arsenal have scored as many goals as 17th placed Watford but nearly half the amount leaders Chelsea have. They have a minus 1 goal difference and have scored the same as newly promoted Brentford, all of which suggest that it will cost Arsenal momentum going forward and unless they can find a solution, a top-four finish is extremely unlikely.

Read More:

• Diagnosing Arsenal’s Pressing Problems: The Primary Reason Behind Their Struggles
• Time for Mikel Arteta to Complete the Arsenal Jigsaw in January
• Everton vs Arsenal – What Went Wrong Against the Toffees | Tactical Review and In-Depth Match Analysis

Aubameyang was on fire two seasons ago but today, he is hardly recognisable as the hotshot who helped inspire Arsenal to win two trophies and terrorised opposition defences. These days, he can’t seem to keep onside, nor does he creep into goal-scoring positions, but worse still is his predatory radar is off, he seems behind the ball, too far ahead or a yard short of a finish from three yards out.

Arteta is loyal, but even he must realise that he needs to change things up to get results. Lacazette and Aubameyang are coming to the end of their careers in an Arsenal shirt and until the Spaniard can find 20 goals from elsewhere, he will continue to have massive problems.

Stay tuned to know more about Arsenal.