Arsenal

Jamie Carragher: 'Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could become another Mesut Ozil'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 06 April 2021

Carragher: 'Aubameyang could become another Ozil'

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's "lazy" performances could lead to another Mesut Ozil-type situation at Arsenal.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could find himself in the same situation that Mesut Ozil did at the Emirates if his performances do not improve.

Ozil was frozen out of the squad under Mikel Arteta, and despite announcing his desire to see out the remainder of his contract, the German playmaker ultimately left for Fenerbahce in January.

Aubameyang has shown flashes of his usual self this season, but the 31-year-old's campaign has been disappointing overall, and Carragher has warned him that his "lazy" performances could lead to another Ozil-type situation.

Speaking to Sky Sports News after Arsenal's 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, Carragher said: "I think Aubameyang's performances this season have been lazy, at times. I don't care how many goals he gets - he's won Golden Boots in the past - but he's definitely a player who doesn't bring anything to this team if he doesn't score a goal, and that's a big problem.

"I watched him last week at West Ham, and I've watched him four or five times this season, and I'm thinking I need more. I need more from you, and that's exactly what we saw on Saturday against Liverpool.

"He was late for the North London derby and the manager took a big decision, and it paid off. I'm expecting a reaction from Aubameyang. He then plays midweek, misses a few chances and he's not at his best in the Europa League game.

"I watched him at West Ham and I'd go as far as to say it is one of the worst performances I've seen this season. I was commentating on the game and when he went off the pitch in the 77th minute, Arsenal scored and he celebrated with (Alexandre) Lacazette, and I said that's the most energetic I've seen him this season.

"I think there will be a big worry at Arsenal and for Mikel Arteta that they may have another Mesut Ozil situation where they give someone a big contract at £300,000 or £350,000-a-week. Good luck to him, but you've got to justify that."

Aubameyang has struck nine goals in 25 Premier League appearances this term and is fighting for his right to start in the Europa League against Slavia Prague on Thursday.