AUBA’S JUST MARVEL-OUS
Avengers assemble to see Gunners march on
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG put on a super-hero show to help Arsenal stage a stunning comeback and ease into the last eight of the Europa League.
The Gunners striker should have had four goals but settled for just the two and an assist – along with the chance to bust out his Black Panther celebration.
You really have to admire a man so confident in his ability to score that he leaves a mask behind the goal in readiness.
But when the avengers assembled at the Emirates they did so determined to wipe out a 3-1 abomination at Rennes last week.
Delighted Aubameyang revealed the reason behind his celebration and said: “I needed a mask which represents me and that’s the Black Panther. In Gabon we call the national team the Panthers!”
Since the inception of the Europa League 10 years ago, only one side – Fulham against Juventus – has progressed after losing 3-1 in the first leg.
Arsenal, beaten only three times at home all season, were fully expected to turn it around against the side eighth in Ligue 1.
And they succeeded to such an extent that the stadium DJ, who cranked up the AC-DC to whip up the atmosphere pre-match, was able to switch to some Sade at the break.
By then Arsenal were 2-0 up and in control of the tie, courtesy of a slice of luck and some fine finishing.
After just five minutes, Aubameyang combined with Ainsley MaitlandNiles who released Aaron Ramsey down the right.
The Juve-bound midfielder rolled the ball across the six-yard box and Aubameyang was on hand to prod it home.
Aubameyang was in the thick of it again for the second 10 minutes later, this time he was released on the left by Ramsey.
He crossed and in came Maitland-Niles on the back post with a bullet header.
Arsenal continued to dominate and with 18 minutes left, they grabbed the decisive goal when Sead Kolasinac crossed low for Aubameyang to net – and celebrate by pulling a Black Panther mask from a bag behind the goal.
Delighted boss Unai Emery said: “It was a good evening. We had chances to score the fourth and be more calm but I’m very proud of the supporters and players. We worked very well this week.
“We were competitive over 90 minutes.”