ARSENAL striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang produced a captain’s performance for Gabon as he fired them into the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
The 31-year-old scored as well as providing an assist in the 3-0 win against DR Congo on Thursday at the Stade de Franceville.
Gabon went into their clash against the Leopards needing a win to qualify for next year’s tournament after a 2-1 defeat to Gambia saw them drop to second in Group D.
And DR Congo – who went into the match sitting in third spot – could have leapfrogged the Black Panthers with a victory in the penultimate group fixture.
In recent games for Arsenal, Aubameyang’s performances have been lacklustre.
He was wasteful in front of goal against Olympiacos, while being ineffective against West Ham as he was taken off for Gabriel Martinelli.
But he starred on international duty for Gabon as he gloriously set up team-mate Denis Bouanga to make it 2-0 in the 72nd minute.
Aubameyang then sealed the victory four minutes before full-time after lashing home an effort into the far corner.
Gunners fans were left delighted by his display, but were frustrated that the striker seems to be a different player for his country.
One tweeted: “Just seen a video of Aubameyang bursting pass players for Gabon… why do I never see that insane pace in use at Arsenal loool.”
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Another commented: “Still has that pace, we need to see more of it in the Premier League.”
A third added: “When’s he gonna start doing that for the Arsenal again? Not seen him sprint like that for a while?”
Meanwhile one simply stated: “Why can’t he do this for Arsenal?”
Another quipped: “That is the fastest I have seen him run this season.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
