Adrian Clarke says the Arsenal forward should be viewed as a contender for the Golden Boot next season
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Adrian Clarke is looking at players who, after limited contributions in 2017/18, can make a big impact in the 2018/19 Premier League.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Based on his performances so far, Arsenal supporters have a right to be excited about the impact Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can make in 2018/19.
The striker signed from Borussia Dortmund in late January settled in quickly, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists in just 13 PL appearances for Arsenal.
He made a direct contribution to a goal every 75.6 minutes, which whets the appetite ahead of his first full season at Emirates Stadium.
Towards the end of Arsene Wenger’s tenure as Arsenal manager, he experimented with Aubameyang playing on the left of the attack, with Alexandre Lacazette as centre-forward.
A few observers were surprised, but Aubameyang performed well in that position.
While fulfilling his wide-man duties he still popped up inside the penalty area on a frequent basis.
Arsenal were devastating when these two strikers were on the pitch.
The Gunners’ average of 3.5 goals per 90 minutes when Aubameyang and Lacazette played together exceeds the average of 2.8 that Manchester City scored in a record-breaking season.
If that rate was extended for a full season, Arsenal would have scored 135 Premier League goals.
Of course, we cannot expect this level to be sustained over 38 matches, but it is a cause for excitement for Arsenal fans.
If he carries on next season as he did for the second half of 2017/18, it will be a surprise if Aubameyang is not a contender for the 2018/19 Premier League Golden Boot.
