Aubameyang started from the bench against Spurs
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s omission from Arsenal’s starting line-up against Tottenham was down to him being late.
Aubameyang played in the Gunners’ 3-1 Europa League victory over Olympiacos in Greece on Thursday and was widely expected to lead the line in the North London Derby at The Emirates on Sunday.
However, as the team news was announced, the striker was named on the bench with Alexandre Lacazette starting in his place.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed the striker he had been left on the bench for disciplinary reasons.
“He was going to start the game but we had a disciplinary issue,” he said. “We have drawn the line and we move on. He’s on the bench.”
Asked by Sky Sports for more information about his absence, Arteta opted not to elaborate, saying the matter would be dealt with internally.
However, it has now emerged that Aubameyang was dropped after he met up with the squad late ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game.
According to The Athletic, this is not the first time the former Borussia Dortmund striker’s time keeping as been an issue this season, which might explain the reason for Arteta taking him out of the starting XI for such an important game.
