Gary Neville says he's changed his opinion about one Arsenal forward after watching the NLD

By John Verrall

Gary Neville admits that he has changed his mind about Pierre Emerick Aubameyang after watching him for Arsenal yesterday, as per his comments on his self titled podcast.

Aubameyang changing opinions

Aubameyang struggled last season and his body language was not always the most positive at times.

But yesterday the Arsenal forward looked back to his best and, crucially, he looked particularly determined.

Right from the first minute Aubameyang was keen to put pressure on Tottenham Hotspur’s defence and he was quickly embroiled in a physical clash with Davinson Sanchez.

Aubameyang hasn’t always been the most keen to press, which left Neville feeling as if the Arsenal forward had lost interest at one stage.

But after seeing him play yesterday, the former Manchester United man felt that Mikel Arteta may well just have his star striker back on side now.

“I thought they had lost Aubameyang a few months ago, I thought he didn’t look like he wanted to be here any more,” Neville said. 

“But today from the first second he set the tone as a striker with the speed of his pressing and then the young ones in behind really did do well.”

A major boost

Aubameyang did face questions over his form towards the back end of last season and even at the start of this campaign.

But he took his goal well yesterday in Arsenal’s 3-1 win and looked lively throughout.

He was also a picture of happiness at full-time, as he was interviewed with Arsenal fans singing his name. 

If Arsenal can get Aubameyang back to his best then it would unquestionably be a major boost to their chances.

The 31-year-old remains one of the biggest attacking threats in the league on his day, and if he is buying into Arteta’s pressing game now, then it can only be good news for the Gunners.