Thomas Tuchel says Arsenal player has the mentality to win trophies

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Ahead of Wednesday’s meeting between Chelsea and Arsenal, Thomas Tuchel has labelled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang a winner, insisting – in comments reported by ESPN – that he is a player who shines when pushed to the limit.

It has been a difficult campaign for Aubameyang at the Emirates. He has struggled to meet expectations, scoring 10 times in 26 top flight games for the Gunners.

On paper, that is not a terrible record by any means. But by the standards the Gabon international has set, that certainly seems an underwhelming return.

It is set to be the first time he has failed to reach 20 league goals in a season since 2014/15. Interestingly, it was before the following campaign back then that Tuchel was appointed at Borussia Dortmund.

And ahead of Wednesday’s clash, the Blues boss suggested that he is looking forward to meeting up with Aubameyang again.

“You want them to succeed and have a good time wherever they are,” he said, as reported by ESPN. “This contact never fully stopped and it is nice to see him because he is always on for a hug and it is nice to hug and see him laugh.

“He is a winner. We won the cup together in Dortmund and I never had the feeling that he lacks the certain edge of mentality that you need when you want to win stuff.

“But clearly he cannot do it alone and he also needs a top squad to play in and to compete for the highest level. But I can just say my experiences with Auba for two years, you could push him to the limit and he was always up for the challenge.”

TBR View: Opportunity for Arsenal

After losing out in the Europa League, it looks highly unlikely that Mikel Arteta is going to be able to silence his doubters this season.

But the game against Chelsea does present the Gunners with their best chance to prove a point before the campaign concludes.

The Blues have been outstanding since Tuchel’s arrival. And they will be looking to all but confirm their top four spot against Arsenal.

So Arsenal getting a positive result would provide a timely boost with thoughts very much on the summer and next season.