27 August,2021 06:43 AM IST | London | AFP
Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (centre) celebrates his goal against West Brom with teammates during their League Cup second round match at The Hawthorns on Wednesday. Pic/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta hopes the return of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang fires an Arsenal revival after the Gabon striker marked his first start this season with a hat-trick in the 6-0 League Cup second round win at West Brom.
Aubameyang missed Arsenal's shock defeat at Brentford in their EPL opener after he contracted COVID-19. The Arsenal captain came off the bench in Sunday's 0-2 defeat against Chelsea but could not spare his side from their worst ever start to a season. With the pressure mounting on boss Arteta, Aubameyang rode to the rescue against West Brom.
Aubameyang scored Arsenal's first goals this season in the first half before sealing his hat-trick. Nicolas Pepe, Bukayo Saka and Alexandre Lacazette also got on the scoresheet to at least temporarily ease the pressure on Arteta.
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Aubameyang gave his shirt to a young Arsenal fans as the travelling support hailed their team's talisman. Asked if the fans returning following the end of COVID restrictions can make a difference in Aubameyang's performances, Arteta replied: "I hope they do. He is a happy character and he needs that connection with people; with family, with friends, with fans. You could see the interaction when he left the pitch and I think that is something really positive for him, yes."
Arteta admitted he was relieved to get a win under his belt ahead of Saturday's tough trip to EPL champions Manchester City. Reports before Wednesday's game claimed Arsenal have lined up former Inter boss Antonio Conte to replace Arteta if results don't improve quickly. "When you lose a game, as quick as possible you have to win," Arteta said. "Today's game is going to give us some confidence. Overall I think a really positive night."
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