Gary Lineker makes Christmas claim about Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

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Gary Lineker has suggested that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might not get any game time over the Christmas period. The Arsenal star, stripped of the captaincy, was missing again as the Gunners beat West Ham on Wednesday.

A comfortable win for the Gunners, as Gabriel Martinelli opened the scoring in the early stages of the second half. Latching on to a pass from Alexandre Lacazette, Martinelli finished superbly – Thierry Henry style.

Then, late on, substitute Emile Smith-Rowe scored again – finishing superbly after cutting inside from the right. Lacazette, who wore the armband, missed a penalty. West Ham finished with 10 man, Vladimir Coufal sent off.

Aubameyang was not involved for the second match in a row, having been left out of the side that beat Southampton 3-0 on Saturday. It comes after returning late, another breach of discipline – and being stripped of the captaincy.

Reacting to Arsenal’s excellent 2-0 win over West Ham, Lineker predicted that even if Aubameyang is allowed to return to the Arsenal squad – the current form of the team might mean he struggles for game time anyway.

Lineker on Aubameyang: Beginning of the end for Arsenal attacker

That is, regardless of the captaincy situation. Even beforehand, his four goals in 14 Premier League games is simply not good enough. The man that has replaced him, Martinelli, finished superbly against the Hammers.

Lacazette is improving as a no.10, and Martinelli also got an assist against Southampton. Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith-Rowe and Martin Odegaard are also being used in the final third. Aubameyang will have to wait.

But given his wages, January approaching and the growing lack of need for Aubameyamg – could we see Arsenal cash in on their ex-Dortmund man? When he is good, he is great – but it is becoming less often.