Jamie Carragher has launched a scathing attacking on Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for his performances so far this season.
The 31-year-old striker was handed a lucrative new contract at the start of the season which made him one of the best-paid players in the Premier League.
But he has scored just nine goals in the division so far in the current campaign, and has looked a shadow of his former self at times.
And he was ineffective again in the Gunners’ 3-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday, and was substituted with 13 minutes left.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher questioned Aubameyang’s work-rate – and does not think he has done enough to bounce back after being dropped for the North London derby match against Tottenham.
“He’s the superstar, if you like,” Carragher said. “I think his performances this season have been… what’s the word I’d use… lazy, at times.
“I don’t care how many goals he gets. He’s won Golden Boots in the past. But he’s a player now who, if he doesn’t score a goal, doesn’t bring absolutely anything to this team, and that’s a big problem.
“I watched him last week at West Ham and I’ve watched him four or five times this season and thought ‘I need more from you’. And that’s exactly what we saw on Saturday.
“He was late in the North London derby, and the manager took a big decision (to drop him) which paid off. I’m expecting a reaction from Aubameyang. He then plays midweek, misses a few chances and is not at his best in the Europa League game.
“I watch him against West Ham and I’d go as far as to say it’s one of the worst performances I’ve seen this season. When he went off the pitch in the 77th minute Arsenal scored and he celebrated with Lacazette. That was the most energetic I’ve seen him this season.
“He then gets brought off again against Liverpool – this is your star man, being brought off on the back of me wanting to see a reaction.”
Carragher also thinks there are similarities between Aubameyang’s situation and that of Mesut Ozil – and worries that the Gunners may well regret handing the Gabonese international a new contract.
(Image: Getty Images)
He added: “I think there’ll be a big worry at Arsenal and from Mikel Arteta that they may have another Mesut Ozil situation, where they give someone a big contract and it is not justified.
“What he’s producing right now is nowhere near good enough, for how good a player he is and also what Arsenal have invested in him.”
