Mkhitaryan on cloud nine
– Arsenal playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan (above) is delighted after reuniting with strike partner and good friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the Premier League club.
The duo played together for three years at Germany’s Borussia Dortmund from 2013 and their partnership was best showcased in the 2015/16 season when they notched a combined 62 goals and 44 assists across all competitions.
The pacey pair got off to a flying start at Arsenal, after Mkhitaryan joined the team last month from Manchester United, with the Armenian providing three assists and Aubameyang scoring his first goal during a 5-1 league win over Everton.
“We did not have too much time to train together (before the Everton game),” Mkhitaryan told the club’s website.
“I thought it could only be in a dream that we could join another club other than Dortmund but I am very happy for that. I know him very well, he is one of my best friends and one of the best teammates I have ever had.”
The pair failed to impress in Arsenal’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend but have the chance to rekindle their partnership during a crucial period for the club.
Aubameyang is not eligible to play for Arsenal in the Europa League, meaning he will miss both legs of the knockout stage tie against Ostersunds – the first one tonight – but the 28-year-old Gabon international could return in a double header against Manchester City.
The Gunners play City in the League Cup final on February 25 and then host Pep Guardiola’s side in the league four days later.