Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has said captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has taken “a step forward” in his role and can help the club recapture their winning mentality.
Aubameyang was on the scoresheet again as the Gunners saw off Aston Villa 3-1 in the Premier League on Friday.
It is a sign that the Gabon striker has turned the page after a difficult campaign last term – and his manager says that he is delighted with his skipper’s increased visibility and leadership.
“I have never seen Auba transmit what he is doing now,” Arteta told the club’s official website.
“Apart from the goals, the celebration when they put the ball in the net, do you see the way he runs?
“The purpose he has to press the ball, and […] how is leading the game. I prefer this Auba. For me it is a click. It is a combination that realising that his role has to go well beyond [what is was].
“He had to take a step forward. I would say the same with Laca [Alexandre Lacazette]. They lead by example and not only there but as well at the training ground.