‘Livid’ Auba’s in a jam after Arteta sets the standard
PIERRE-EMERICK Aubameyang was left fuming after being axed for the north London derby because of his bad timekeeping.
The Arsenal skipper and top-scorer was described as being “livid” having been left out after reporting late on Sunday having got caught in traffic.
Aubameyang did not take part in the post-match warmdown on the pitch with his team-mates and was the first player to leave the Emirates after being called out publicly by Mikel Arteta.
The Arsenal manager said after the 2-1 win against Tottenham that the striker was dropped for disciplinary reasons, and it is understood it is not Aubameyang’s first offence of being late.
Other Arsenal players believed it was the right course of action, because there should not be different rules for star players from the rest of the squad.
Aubameyang looked furious on the bench and was desperate to get on – only to be overlooked and miss one of Arsenal’s biggest games of the season.
Arteta did have a “spare man” in the squad who did not make the bench in Pablo Mari, so could have chosen to leave Aubameyang out completely, but did still name him as a substitute – underlying his message that he wanted to dish out punishment but keep it in proportion.
There was a feeling Arteta had to take a stand to maintain discipline in the group after issues this season.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour backed Arteta’s decision and said it was important to set the right example.
Parlour said: “I totally agree with Mikel Arteta, nobody is bigger than the team. I know Aubameyang is a very important player, captain as well, but you’ve got to lead by example.
“There’s no excuse for being late.
“Everyone will be a bit scared now knowing they can’t be late.
“If he gets away with it and someone else is late, and they get dropped, then there’s a problem in the dressing room.
“I think it was the right thing to do.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender David Luiz believes the win over Spurs can help the 10th-placed Gunners make a late push for Europe.
Luiz said: “We have to try to continue in this way, try to improve. We have work to do but we have a great team and we can continue in this way and try to win points every week.”