PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG was reportedly dropped for the North London Derby by Mikel Arteta because he ‘reported late’ for the game.
The Arsenal club captain was benched for the crunch clash against rivals Tottenham – but was not missed as the Gunners won 2-1.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looked frustrated to be sat on the bench – but was reportedly dropped because he turned up lateCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Then Arteta confirmed in his pre-match interview that it was for ‘disciplinary reasons’.
And now The Athletic have said that Aubameyang was dropped as punishment for not being punctual.
Alexandre Lacazette has replaced Aubameyang in the starting line-up for Arsenal.
When asked about the situation before the match, Arteta said: “Aubameyang was going to start the game. We had a disciplinary issue.
“We have drawn the line, we move on, and he is on the bench.
“We have a process for every game that we have to respect.”
Aubameyang has scored 14 goals in 29 games for Arsenal so far this season.
BETTING SPECIAL: GET EITHER KANE OR AUBAMEYANG TO SCORE IN THE NORTH LONDON DERBY AT 33/1
And while he did go 648 minutes without a home league goal, of late he appears to have re-found his feet once more.
Spurs took the lead in the North London Derby through an outrageous rabona goal from Erik Lamela.
But Arsenal levelled things up shortly before half-time when Martin Odegaard’s deflected effort found its way into the bottom corner.
Follow the match live through our live blog here.
Arteta is beaming with pride as he reacts to Arsenal’s victory in the North London derby against Spurs
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
