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After a disappointing first season with Chelsea, the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Stamford Bridge was further cast into doubt following the team’s defeat to Manchester City.
The Gabonese striker started on the bench for the Blues against the defending Premier League champions, only to be called upon due to Raheem Sterling’s injury.
The 33-year-old Aubameyang was unable to make an impact, as Riyad Mahrez’s goal caused Chelsea to lose 1-0. Despite there being 20 minutes left in the match, he was then humiliated by being taken off.
Aubameyang’s performances have drawn harsh criticism from former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, who also predicted that under Graham Potter, he may very quickly lose his place in the starting lineup.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was forewarned that his “hopeless” performance against Manchester City might have been his last for Chelsea.
He told the BBC that Aubameyang appeared to be dreading being present this evening. “There are more besides him. [Marc] Cucurella is an extremely expensive player who does not appear to belong on a Chelsea team that is looking to win trophies.
Graham Potter was woeful, so I wonder if he’s wondering how he can use Aubameyang in a Chelsea uniform again. I’m always hesitant to fault players for lack of effort or unprofessional body language, but Aubameyang exemplified that in every way.”
Following his return to the Premier League from Spanish powerhouse Barcelona, Aubameyang’s transfer to Chelsea has not been a success in the slightest.
In 16 appearances, the former Arsenal forward has only managed three goals, only one of which came in the Premier League.
Aubameyang’s expression after being replaced against City was telling; he was clearly miffed at being dragged off the field.
Potter said that the striker’s reaction was only natural and commended him on his performance on Thursday.
“He [Aubameyang] came on after one minute, hadn’t played for a while, and put in an absolute shift for us given that Manchester City make you run a lot,” the Chelsea manager stated following the game.
“I believed he gave the squad everything he had. He was a little bit fatigued, just like Hakim [Ziyech], so that was the choice. Of course, players want to continue playing and have an impact on the game. It’s a typical response.”
Aubameyang will undoubtedly want to make a bigger impact as Chelsea and City renew their rivalry this Saturday in the FA Cup third round.
