How Aubameyang regained his form at Barcelona

Published

3 years ago

March 24, 2022

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is loving life in Barcelona.

Since he arrived at the club towards the end of the January transfer window, the Gabon international has found the net nine times for his new team in 11 appearances across all competitions.

The 32-year-old has already won the hearts of the Camp Nou faithful, scoring a hattrick against Valencia and an El Clasico brace in Barcelona’s 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid.

But, Barcelona fans were not that enthusiastic when Barcelona announced his signing.

A history of indiscipline

His previous club, Arsenal, were desperate to offload him in January because Gunners boss Mikel Arteta banished him from the squad for disciplinary breach.

He didn’t play for Arsenal since December 6, when he had a five-minute cameo from the bench against Everton.

Disciplinary issues have been recurrent throughout Aubameyang’s career, but rarely did he let it reflect on his performance.

Prolific at all times

He emerged as one of the world’s most lethal strikers playing for Borussia Dortmund, and he kept up his goal-scoring prowess when he made a £56 million move to Arsenal in 2018.

He has scored 92 goals for Arsenal and was instrumental in their FA Cup win in 2020.

But, his goals began to dry up after penning a new Arsenal contract, which gave him a weekly paycheck of £350,000.

He only scored 22 goals in 54 appearances for Arsenal after signing the new deal, which is relatively poor given the astronomical standards he had set for himself.

Arteta’s demands affected his form

From the start of 2021/22, Mikel Arteta demanded more link-up duties from Aubameyang.

He wanted him to drop to deeper spaces and track back opposition attackers.

Aubameyang had some of his best performances for Arsenal playing on the left, but Arteta wanted someone with better dribbling and movement abilities to play as a winger.

So, Aubameyang shifted to the centre and started to lead the line.

Arteta wanted Aubameyang to create space for the wide players and run into the gaps opening up in the opposition defence.

This is a complex responsibility and Aubameyang wasn’t pretty good at it.

He specialized in running behind the line and put the ball into the net. It wasn’t that simple for him anymore.

After Aubameyang’s exclusion from the team, Arsenal have been more fluid in attack and have experienced a significant improvement in form.

Alexandre Lacazette now leads the line, and even though he hasn’t been much prolific, he has been able to facilitate the wingers.

Xavi using Auba’s strengths

At Barcelona, head coach Xavi Hernandez is using Aubameyang in a way that suits him better.

He intends to create attacking overloads with the front three and two free 8s surging forward from midfield.

Since there are two central midfielders in advanced positions to supply the ball forward, there is no need for Aubameyang to fall back and recycle the ball.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has proved that he is still a world-class striker under the right circumstances.

Barcelona would be happy to bring in a goal machine for free, while Arsenal would be relieved to chalk off Aubameyang’s huge wages from their books.

It was a win-win transfer for both parties involved.

FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

FC Goa

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

FC Goa Host League Leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant in ISL Clash

FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.

FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!

Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.

Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.

The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.

Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.

FC Goa

Mohun Bagan SG and FC Goa Face Off in ISL 2024-25 Thriller

Published

3 days ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Mohun Bagan SG faces FC Goa in a thrilling ISL 2024-25 encounter, promising intense action and crucial league implications.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.

Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.

This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.

Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.