PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG couldn’t stop smiling in Arsenal training on Sunday, just three days after being reduced to tears after his side’s shock Europa League exit.
The Gunners striker, 30, was left in tears at the Emirates after he fluffed an easy chance to send his side into the last-16 at the hands of Olympiacos.
Aubameyang looked much more cheerful in Arsenal training after his tears on Thursday nightCredit: Getty
Arsenal stars all looked more chipper in training on SundayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
David Luiz cracked a grin during his Sunday training sessionCredit: Getty
Mikel Arteta was readying his troops for the FA Cup clash with PortsmouthCredit: Getty
Aubameyang had scored a stunning overhead kick to give his side an aggregate lead late in extra-time.
But he missed a sitter as the Greek side punished Arsenal who threw away a first-leg European tie lead for the first time in 19 attempts.
Earlier this week, boss Mikel Arteta demanded his Arsenal stars stand behind their captain during his tough time.
And the squad clearly worked wonders in getting Aubameyang back to his old self.
The Gabon star was spotted beaming from ear-to-ear – as were most of the team – at London Colney as they prepared for Monday’s FA Cup clash with Portsmouth.
When looked back at Thursday night’s defeat, Arsenal chief Arteta said: “[Aubameyang] was gutted.
“Obviously he scored a wonder goal that put us through in the competition and the last kick of the game he had the best chance of the game and he felt very responsible about it.
“We’ll try to be right behind him. He’s been phenomenal all season for us and now the players have to support him, we have to support him.
“His reaction as well after the game — to face the media and the way he talked and everything — it was a very mature reaction from him.
Arsenal were in high spirits as they trained in the Sunday sunCredit: Getty
Arsenal players giggled their way through their session at London ColneyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“We trained Saturday. We were all very down, frustrated, disappointed.
“The first message to them was I am right behind them, thank you for the effort they put into the game, for the attitude and personality they played with and the way they reacted after we conceded a goal.
“They tried, tried and tried again. They completely deserved to win but there are aspects of the game that we have to dominate better if we want to keep competing at that level.”
Aubameyang goes from tears of joy to despair as Arsenal skipper misses last-second sitter in Olympiacos loss
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
