Mikel Arteta hails Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s form but demands he keeps going
Gunners are on an unbeaten streak
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the club “demand more” from joint top-goalscorer and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Gunners come out of the international break fifth in the table after embarking on an impressive eight-match unbeaten league run following the 5-0 thrashing at Manchester City in August.
It has coincided with Aubameyang’s current form; the forward has scored three goals in his last six matches including against local rivals Tottenham, and Arteta has urged him to continue in the same manner.
“He’s getting in a great position, he’s having chances and things will happen there,” the Spaniard said.
“Again he has already scored quite a lot of goals but we always want more and we demand more.
“But he needs to continue the form that he’s in and the attitude that he’s showing and as well the level of implication that he has, not only around the team but around the club as well.”
Three Arsenal players also started England’s 10-0 beating of San Marino during the international break, with Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith-Rowe handed their international debuts.
The latter even struck his first England goal, after his recent fine form at Arsenal was rewarded with a full senior debut for the Three Lions, with Bukayo Saka also finding the net.
Smith-Rowe earned the praises of his manager, with Arteta hailing the three England call-ups “exciting”.
“First of all, I was surprised (about Smith-Rowe’s call-up) because it happened just after the game but I was extremely happy for him, I know the expectation that he had a lot of talk around it,” Arteta said.
“He really enjoyed it, I saw him yesterday, he was delighted to score a goal for the country is always something special and he made us proud, not only something for him but for Bukayo and Aaron starting for the national team I think it’s really exciting for the club.”
Two of those who played for England were graduates of Arsenal’s Hale End academy system, something the manager believes is an important part of the club.
“It’s part of our identity to raise players,” he said.
“We have a great academy, we have great coaches that deserve so much because of the education they give those players, and then because of how they are being coached and then, like everybody, it is about having the opportunity, they need game time to prove they can do it at that level.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments