BACK WITH A YANG
ARSENAL 4 LEEDS 2
ARSENAL hero Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made sure that his first Premier League hat-trick ended up being a family affair.
Aubameyang, who thanked Gunners fans for their support while he was away caring for his ill mother, donated the match ball to his kids.
Hector Bellerin, right, also scored for Arsenal before Leeds replied with goals from Pascal Struijk and Helder Costa.
Aubameyang said: “I’m really happy. My kids are going to be happy because they’ll get it. The
hat-trick means a lot to me. I’m a guy who always works hard and tries to give the best, for first my family and the team as well.
“It’s been a tough time. Everybody around the club, everyone was giving a lot of love to me, my mum and my family.
“I’m really proud to be part of this family and I have to say thanks to everyone at the club and the fans as well – this is for them.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta revealed that 31-year-old Gabon forward Aubameyang received a knock before the end of the victory yesterday.
Arteta said: “He is a key piece of our puzzle. He looked really hungry. I’m delighted for him – he deserves it.
“We have been missing his goals and him at his best.
“He has been training after a difficult period with a family issue.
“We had a feeling he could be key in this game.
“He was in pain and got a big kick, twisted his ankle but hopefully he will be fine.”
Leeds defender Struijk said: “We started way too sloppy.
“We did not bring the energy we usually bring so we are disappointed we could not do that.”
Visiting boss Marcelo Bielsa, above, said: “In the second half we started better but we conceded another goal.
“We fought a lot to get back into the game.”