Arsenal have the chance to return to the top of the Premier League table with a victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Manchester City’s late winner against Fulham on Saturday has put extra pressure on the Gunners to secure three points and return to the division's summit.
In the lead-up to the London derby, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been the main topic of conversation, as he lines-up against his former side for the first time since departing north London in the last January transfer window.
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal fans booed the former Gunners skipper with his first touch of the ball after kick-off. There is certainly love lost between the two parties, which was highlighted by Aubameyang’s taunts towards Arsenal prior to the match starting.
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During the week, the 33-year-old was seen on a BT Sport advertisement for the match, handing out a warning to his former club: "Arsenal, nothing personal. I’m back. I’m blue. I’m ready."
It clearly annoyed many of the Arsenal fanbase, who have been unhappy with how the striker has conducted himself ahead of such a big meeting. When asked for his view on it, Arteta said: "You expect players to do that. If you ask any of our players how they feel about where they are, they will say the same."
The forward was released of his contract in January 2022 due to a "disciplinary issue", with Mikel Arteta deciding it was the best option at the time after relieving him of club captain duties. The Gabon international then joined Barcelona, where he was filmed criticising his ex-manager.
"Big characters and big players...he [Arteta] can't deal with it. He needs some young players who don't say anything. They listen," Aubameyang said.
Arsenal fans clearly haven’t forgotten about the actions of the man who was once adored at the Emirates. This was highlighted by the boos as soon as he touched the ball.
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