Arsenal

Troy Deeney: 'Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is not his normal self'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 22 March 2021

Troy Deeney: 'Aubameyang is not his normal self'

Watford striker Troy Deeney believes that Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not been himself during an underwhelming campaign.

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not been his usual self this season, according to Watford striker Troy Deeney.

The former Borussia Dortmund man committed his future to the Gunners last summer after a protracted contract saga, but he has failed to live up to the same heights as last season in the 2020-21 campaign.

Aubameyang, who has also been dealing with personal issues this term, produced two unfruitful displays against Olympiacos and West Ham United last week, and Deeney believes that his fellow striker is 'not in his normal rhythm'.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the Watford stalwart said: "He wasn't great yesterday and I think there was a moment just before he came off where Lacazette gave him the ball on the left.

"Normally, he'd have a touch and shot and he took one, two, three touches and got caught out. That's when you know when someone's not in their normal rhythm.

"Let's be honest he's a top finisher but normally it's one touch, shoot. Normally strikers have a favoured position and that's his in the box and he's going through one of those moments. He had a short pre-season and the contract stuff affected him."

Aubameyang has struck nine goals in 24 Premier League appearances for Mikel Arteta's side this term, compared to the 22 he scored in 36 Premier League matches in the 2019-20 campaign.