Video: HaytersTV
Mikel Arteta says he will assess Arsenal’s attacking options – but is standing by his decision not to deploy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a central position.
Aubameyang remains a goal threat in his current role and scored in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Leicester at the Emirates Stadium, where Eddie Nketiah was sent off so now faces a ban.
Gunners boss Arteta was asked at his post-match press conference if he would consider playing Aubameyang up front with Alexandre Lacazette now that Arsenal face being without Nketiah as well as Gabriel Martinelli.
“We will look at the options that we have up front now and how we can be a little bit diverse and have different options,” Arteta said.
“We will wait and see with the suspension for Eddie and how long it is. We will adapt.
“We need to put as much firepower in the team as possible without losing our balance.
“Auba has scored a lot of goals coming from that position. We know he can play as a nine, but at the moment the balance of the team is a little bit better like this.”
And Arteta is convinced Aubameyang is happy to help the team even if it means not playing as a central striker.
“He’s a team player. You can ask him to play anywhere and he’s happy to take it,” Arteta said.
“He’s happy and you see the effort that he puts in every day.”