CHELSEA boss Graham Potter admits that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is “excited” to face Arsenal, but was eager to point out that he is no one-man show.
Plenty of eyes will be on the Gabon international striker when he lines up against former employers in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge today.
Aubameyang previously hit 92 goals for the Gunners, and has said that looking to put a dent in their 2022-23 title bid will be “nothing personal”, but Chelsea are wary of making an important derby date all about him as they seek to claim a morale boosting victory over their London rivals.
Potter has said of sending Aubameyang into battle against familiar foes: “I don’t think we should make it about him. He is an important part of the team for us but it takes everybody, not just one person. I understand the interest around him because it’s Arsenal. I think he’s looking forward to the game, excited for it. He’s been pretty normal I
say, quite a quiet guy. It’s a London derby, two good teams I think. Arsenal are doing really well and the history makes it an interesting one for Auba. But the past is the past as we’re concerned.”
Aubameyang left Arsenal for Barcelona during the winter transfer window of 2022, with it made clear to him that he would no longer be figuring in Mikel Arteta’s plans following a number of disciplinary breaches.
He then returned to England over the summer when Chelsea found themselves in the market for another No.9.
