Interview

Arteta - I've not seen Auba do what he's doing now

It was another goalscoring display for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Friday night as we beat Aston Villa - but Mikel Arteta was excited about his display for another reason.

Our captain led from the front once more, chasing every ball, harrying defenders and setting the tone for the rest of the team to follow.

"I have never seen Auba transmit what he is doing now," Arteta told Arsenal Media. 

"Apart from the goals, the celebration when they put the ball in the net, do you see the way he runs? The purpose he has to press the ball, and when he takes it his movement, his link, how is leading the game - that is when he is changing the rest, not when he is static and then he puts the ball in the net. I prefer this Auba.

"For me it is a click. It is a combination that realising that his role has to go well beyond that. 

"What was good, or very good, two or three years ago, with his role in this team, at this club, it is not enough. He had to take a step forward. I would say the same with Laca, look what he is transmitting, not  just doing or playing, what he is transmitting. For me that is really, really important.

"They lead by example and not only there but as well at the training ground. Certain things, a role they could have had three years ago in the squad, now it has changed. 

"Human beings change themselves every six months, they have all new selves, and it's incredible so we are able to adapt very quickly and manipulate and change our minds very quickly as well. They are doing that for the benefit of the club, but for sure for the benefit of themselves [too].

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