Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was recalled to Borussia Dortmund‘s starting line-up on Saturday despite the on-going speculation of a move to Arsenal.
The target-man was included for Dortmund 2-2 draw with Freiburg, his first Bundesliga appearance since December 16 having been dropped for their last two games.
Here, we analyse the performance of the Arsenal target.
STATISTICS
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Shots – 1
Shots on target – 0
Touches – 19
Passes – 14
Key passes – 1
Dribbles – 0
Dispossessed – 0
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang warms up ahead of the Freiburg clash
30-SECOND REPORT
Pierre-Emerick Anonymous. The Gabon international had three touches inside the first 20 minutes, managed only 10 more before the half and then finished with just a further six after that.
Ultimately, he was far too isolated operating as the spearhead of a 4-3-3 with Christian Pulisic and the impressive Jadon Sancho either side of him.
The service from Dortmund was truly dire with overhit after overhit cross sent wailing into the box but there was no intensity from Aubameyang and no desire to at least drop in and find possession.
He was caught waiting for chances to materialise rather than trying to create them himself and that’s often been the criticism of the 28-year-old – if the team isn’t clicking, Aubameyang is silent.
All eyes were fixed on him with Arsenal linked but it was the visitor’s Nils Petersen who stole the show with two goals, his second an exquisite finish from long range.
He got an okay reception from the home fans, the occasional spattering of boos when he got on the ball in the first half but the quiet in the stands was mirrored by his display on the pitch.
Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc says they’ll sell Aubameyang if Arsenal pay the asking price. Dortmund want £60m. Arsenal last offer £50m
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) January 27, 2018
GOT RIGHT
Movement – The lack of service isolated him but his attempted runs in behind were intelligently timed. Dortmund just couldn’t pick him out, however.
Aerial threat – His sole shot on goal arrived from a dangerously whipped in cross from Castro and he did well to climb over his man to glance a header narrowly over the bar.
GOT WRONG
Work rate – Not the first time this has been noted and it won’t be the last but he lacked vigour with the game drifting him by for large parts.
Overall impact – He just didn’t do enough to get on the ball when Dortmund were clearly struggling to get service to him. Aubameyang is far too reliant on the players around him performing.
KEY MOMENTS
31st min CHANCE: Castro has time to swing an inviting cross from the right and Aubameyang climbs highest to meet the ball but his glanced effort slides over the roof of the net.
Aubameyang got an ok-reception. Had a quiet game. Some angry shouts, but more that shouted his name. Dortmund saved a point in the last minute. Game will be remembered for a fantastic Pettersen - goal for Freiburg https://t.co/nAJ4H5hzWg
— Jan Aage Fjortoft (@JanAageFjortoft) January 27, 2018
VERDICT
Quiet game by his standards and given how starved of the ball Alexandre Lacazette has been at Arsenal, it will hardly be comforting to see Aubameyang prove equally as ineffectual without quality service.
He tried to apply his pace and power but Dortmund couldn’t pick him out and it was left to Jeremy Toljan to secure a last-minute equaliser.
RATING: 6/10
All statistics are compiled using whoscored.com
