WILLIAN “looks lost” at Arsenal and Premier League defences have found Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang out, Gunners legend Paul Merson claims.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Willian has been “dealt with internally” after the midfielder jetted to Dubai when he was left out of the Brazil squad – despite coronavirus guidelines barring all but essential travel.
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Willian has been a big let-down while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is wasted on the wing, according to ex-Arsenal striker Paul MersonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But with the Gunners having lost four of their eight Premier League games, they head to Leeds on Sunday with stinging words from Merson over the two men they fought hardest for over the summer.
William, 32, arrived at the Emirates for a three-year contract that Chelsea chiefs refused to give him.
And Arsenal skipper Aubameyang, 31, became their highest-paid player ever when he eventually renewed his deal.
Merse told Sky Sports: “Willian was unbelievable at Chelsea last year.
“For me, he was probably one of the best players. He was phenomenal – an outstanding talent.
‘He has gone to Arsenal and he looks lost. They have got to get him performing.”
Merson also believes Gabon superstar Aubameyang should revert to an out-and-out striker role, having only netted twice in the league this term.
He said: “When Aubameyang is out on the wing, he can go 15 minutes without touching the ball.
‘You can’t have your star player going that long without touching the ball.
Willian has struggled after notching two assists on his Arsenal debut following his summer switch from Chelsea for a three-year contractCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been ‘worked out’ by Premier League defences as he is now mainly stuck out wide, says Paul MersonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“How many goals would Jamie Vardy get for Leicester if you played him out on the left wing? Not as many as he gets now, that’s for sure.
“Defences are starting to work him out. They are starting to nullify the threat from him from out wide and making life hard for him.
“They are stopping the cut-inside and shot into the far corner.
“Something has got to change. At the moment, he’s not seeing enough of the ball where it matters.”
Aubameyang’s strike partner Alexandre Lacazette is struggling too – goalless for six games.
And defeat at Leeds would drop the Gunners deeper into the bottom half of the table, putting real pressure on Arteta.
Arsenal boss Arteta insists Willian’s international break trip to Dubai has been resolved
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
