Arsenal: Thomas Partey tackles Aubameyang in training
Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not performing due to a lack of work rate, according to former Tottenham forward Darren Bent. Aubameyang has not scored in his last five Premier League appearances. It is his longest barren run in an Arsenal shirt since he arrived from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.
Aubameyang ended speculation over his future in September by signing a new and improved contract with the Gunners just days after scoring in the opening-day win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
But the Gabon international has only scored once since - in the 2-1 Europa League victory at Rapid Vienna last Thursday.
Bent says Aubameyang has looked a "shadow of himself" since he signed the contract.
And the pundit claims it is not just a lack of goals that has been the problem, but also a reduction in effort from the 31-year-old.
Arsenal news: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not scored a Premier League goal in his last five games (Image: GETTY)
“There has been a drop-off,” Bent said on talkSPORT.
“You look at his form in the semi-final and the final of the FA Cup last season, the Community Shield and his performance against Fulham – he was arguably one of the best strikers in the Premier League, probably the best.
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Arsenal news: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang inspired the Gunners to the FA Cup last season (Image: EXPRESS)
“Listen, confidence is massive in a striker. It is with any player, but particularly with a centre-forward, when you’re used to scoring as many goals as he is and then you suddenly stop scoring, it can be a little bit of a concern.
“But I think it’s even the work rate as well. You remember, he was putting shifts up and down, he was all over the place, but he’s been nowhere near that level recently.”
Meanwhile, Aubameyang's team-mate Alexandre Lacazette was off form in Sunday's 1-0 loss at home to Leicester.
But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta came out in defence of his French striker.
"Obviously, strikers need goals and he started tonight, he looked sharp and he was really aggressive in his play," Arteta said.
"Yeah, he had an opportunity to score that goal and he didn't.
"I just support them and give them more confidence and [help them] try to create more."
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