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Martin Keown suggested last night that Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was unrecognisable from the usual standards he sets.

The Gunners were beaten 1-0 last night at home to Greek opposition Olympiacos, but they had done enough in the first leg to secure a 3-2 aggregate lead overall in the Europa League tie.

Mikel Arteta’s side are now in the quarter-finals of the Europa League competition, which is one they’ll have their eyes on trying to win after losing in the final a couple of years ago to Chelsea.

Pundit and ex-Arsenal defender Known was left disappointed with the performance from Aubameyang on Thursday.

The 31-year-old didn’t play in the weekend’s win over rivals Tottenham due to ‘disciplinary reasons’, but was back in the XI against Olympiacos.

It was very much an off-night for the attacker, as he missed two golden opportunities to score during the match.

“We learned that Aubameyang was suffering tonight, I think it affected him at the weekend, being left out of the team,” Keown told BT Sport ESPN (9:50pm 19 March).

“It wasn’t the Aubameyang we know and love. It’s one of those, yes you sweep it under the carpet and look forward to the weekend and you start to build but it was a really poor night for Arsenal in terms of their performance.”

TBR’s View:

Arteta was true to his word by bringing Aubameyang straight back into the team yesterday, but it was a frustrating match for him.

The versatile attacker operated in the central striker role, and missed some big goalscoring opportunities that would’ve lifted some pressure off his shoulders.

It’s been a far from vintage campaign from him so far.

He’ll feel 14 goals in 30 games for Arsenal is below the extremely high standard he can reach, but it will no surprise if he’s instrumental from now until the end of the season.