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Arsenal legend Martin Keown makes Eden Hazard claim about Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG’s performance for Arsenal against Valencia was like a combination of Eden Hazard and Thierry Henry.
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That is according to Arsenal legend and BT Sport pundit Martin Keown.
Aubameyang scored his first Gunners hat-trick in the Europa League semi-final second leg win at Mestalla.
Arsenal beat Valencia 4-2 on the night, 7-3 on aggregate, to reach the final in Baku on May 29.
It was not just Aubameyang’s goals that impressed Keown though, but the all-round performance of the Gabon international.
Outstanding, he was Hazard-like at times running with the ball
Keown has compared the striker to Arsenal great Henry before, but he also says he reminded him of Chelsea star Hazard.
“This man, a special word for this man,” Keown said.
“He was cup-tied last year, he wasn’t able to take part in this competition.
“Boy did Arsenal miss him when you saw what he did here tonight.
“Outstanding, he was Eden Hazard-like at times running with the ball.
“They couldn’t get it off him.
“He became a top player for them tonight.
“I said he was the nearest thing to Henry that I’ve seen in an Arsenal shirt and he proved it.”
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Meanwhile, former Arsenal forward John Hartson admitted he has not seen Aubameyang play as well as that since he arrived in England.
“Aubameyang has had his best night in an Arsenal shirt for me,” Hartson said.
“Absolutely on a different level to everything else out there.
“A magnificent performance from him on a personal note.”