PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG continued his return to form against Chelsea – yet couldn’t help but look glum after being subbed off.
Arsenal claimed a vital 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night with the striker playing his part in the winner.
A horrendous backpass from Jorginho had to be clawed off the line by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Aubameyang pounced on the loose ball and showed great composure to roll a pass back to Emile Smith Rowe for the only goal of the game.
Alas, the Gunners captain endured a quiet night from then on as Chelsea pushed for a leveller.
Taken off on 79 minutes for Alexandre Lacazette having failed to get off a shot of his own, Aubameyang looked naturally glum on the sideline as the game was played out.
However, he came away from West London with a momento when swapping shirts with Chelsea star Thiago Silva after the final whistle.
And the Gabonese star may be feeling optimistic as Arsenal pulled within touching distance of a Europa League place.
Moving into eighth, the Gunners are well in the fight although West Ham, Liverpool, Tottenham and Everton each have games in hand.
Mikel Arteta admitted Arsenal’s league finish is out of their hands but praised his stars’ performance at Stamford Bridge.
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He told Sky Sports: “The players gave me everything every day.
“We can play better, worse, win, lose. That [work-rate] is unquestionable and non-negotiable, 100 per cent.
“I’m really happy with a lot of things we did tonight. We had to dig in. We had to against a fantastic team. We put everything we had to get the best positive result.”
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