‘Not the first time’ – Insight provided into Aubameyang’s disciplinary issues

Further insight into the reasoning behind Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s benching for this evening’s showdown with Tottenham has been forthcoming online.

Derby matchup

The marquee fixture of the Premier League weekend is of course currently playing out at the Emirates.

The clash in question sees rivalries renewed, as Arsenal and Spurs go head-to-head in the latest edition of the North London Derby.

The matchup marks an altogether more important one for the visitors, with Jose Mourinho’s men of course in the thick of the race for European football.

Arteta’s Gunners, on the other hand, sat in mid-table ahead of kick-off, with a route into next season’s Champions League being eyed via Europa League glory.

Early in proceedings in the capital, though, it is nevertheless Arsenal who have looked much the better of the two sides, with Emile Smith Rowe’s rasping drive from distance having come within inches of handing the home side the lead:

Inches away…

Emile Smith Rowe rattles the bar for Arsenal

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Auba punished

The early threat posed by Arteta’s men of course comes despite an alarming piece of personnel news having come to the fore ahead of the action getting underway at the Emirates.

This came in the form of confirmation that captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had been dropped to the bench by Mikel Arteta, with Alexandre Lacazette introduced in his place.

When drawn on his decision during a pre-match interview, the Arsenal boss was unsurprisingly keen to keep his cards close to his chest regarding the situation, simply citing ‘disciplinary reasons’:

Arteta says he’s dropped Aubameyang for disciplinary reasons. Wouldn’t elaborate.

— Patrick Davison (@skysports_PatD) March 14, 2021

As outlined above, though, further insight into the matter has since been forthcoming online.

The information comes courtesy of the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, who has revealed that ‘Auba’ turned up late for duty in north London this afternoon.

This is reportedly ‘not the first time’ the Gabonese has been guilty of such an offence, with Arteta having evidently been keen to make an example of his captain:

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dropped to bench for Arsenal’s visit of Tottenham after captain reported late when squad met up earlier today. Believed not to be the first time & falls out of line with club’s matchday protocols @TheAthleticUK #ARSTOT #AFC https://t.co/qQoMpNPF4w

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) March 14, 2021

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Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur live streaming: Watch Premier League online

This article was edited by Josh Barker.

Source: 101greatgoals.com