Ferdinand believes Arsenal are using Aubameyang wrong as he defends striker

Rio Ferdinand has criticised Mikel Arteta for the way he uses Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as he defended the Arsenal striker for his poor form.

Aubameyang has struggled in the last two seasons, scoring just 10 Premier League goals last term despite being a regular starter for the Gunners.

Those issues in the league have continued into the new campaign, with Aubameyang currently notching just one strike from the four games he has featured in.

It is part of a wider problem that has emerged at the Gunners this term, with Arteta’s side having scored just two goals in the top-flight after the first five games.

Admittedly, both of those goals have come in their last two outings, which were wins over Norwich City and Burnley.

Aubameyang scored the winner against the Canaries, but his poor form in front of goal will still be a concern for Arteta.

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand believes that the Gunners boss needs to look at himself when searching for the cause of Aubameyang’s struggles.

“I don’t know if the club are playing to his strengths, they need to get the ball forward quicker,” Ferdinand told Vibe with FIVE.

Can Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang turn his Arsenal form around? Comment below.

“If they get the ball forward quick and set him off, set him free running through teams… in full flow he is as good as most, he is just an unbelievable finisher.

“When he’s smiling he is on form and he makes Arsenal a considerably better team. They have no else who finishes chances like him.”

Ferdinand’s observations are also shown through a look at the number of long passes that the Gunners have attempted this season.

14 teams have a higher accuracy percentage than Arteta’s men this term, suggesting there is much room for improvement.

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Having beaten two of the sides tipped for relegation in Norwich and Burnley, Arsenal’s next league outing will come in the North London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.

Aubameyang will hope to bury his demons from last season against the Gunners’ biggest rivals, having failed to score in either game against them last year.

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