Aubamyang was in the stands today watching on as his Arsenal side battle a Sheffield United who are living a dream at the moment.
It was largely a dull first half until teenager Martinelli scored from close range after a Bukayo Saka’s makeshift cross. His positioning was astute and his technique and calmness beyond his age.
The watching Aubameyang was moved to declare him a “superstar” in waiting in a post on social media.
Gabi’s gonna be a superstar 🙏🏽 Not because of the Goal because of the attitude Energy and mindset ☝🏽
— Aubameyang P-E (@Aubameyang7) January 18, 2020
Without their captain goal machine boasting 48% of their season goals so far, Arsenal were going to struggle in front of goal and so it played out.
The Londoners managed only three shots on goal in the entire match. Alexandre Lacazette who has been heavily linked with a move to Spain continues hi goal drought as in yet another Premier League match, he failed to threaten let alone score a goal.
Manager Mikel Arteta believes the game was there to be won but it was always a risky trade when you are only a goal in the lead.
“I’m very disappointed, the performance deserved three points,” he said.
“It is two points lost but if you don’t put games to bed in the last 10 minutes that can happen. There is a history of that, 1-0 up is never enough, be careful as anything can happen.
“They tried to do their best before, I inherited a team in a difficult situation. In the second half they didn’t create much apart from the goal, a long ball and someone from an incredible angle puts it in the top corner.”
The fairy tale continues for Chris Wilder and his boys. Sheffield United are having a superb first season. Three years ago they were playing in League One and they are in contention for European places.
Their manager believes today’s game underscores what his team are capable of but is encouraged by the fact that they fashioned out a draw even when not playing their best against one of Premier League’s best and biggest;
“We have a group who challenge each other and wants to attack every game in every division,” Wilder said.
“They have shown that attitude for a long time. We haven’t been unbelievably backed financially. It’s a really good story, ours, the players and where they have come from.
“We have to turn that really good story into a fantastic one by keeping the hammer down.”
Wilder brought on Billy Sharp and Callum Robinson and his decisions paid off when Robinson’s cross was nodded on by Sharp for the arriving Fleck. The goal came with the midfielder hitting down into the deck and seeing the bounce carry the ball past the dive of Bernd Leno.
“We don’t do targets, we don’t look at blocks of games, you can’t in this division,” Wilder added.
“Everyone has upped their standards, we talked in pre season about reacting to losing games of football because as a group we have been used to winning. It’s one point to add to the 32 we had already and it’s a valuable one. We keep on rolling on.
“I didn’t think we were anywhere near our best and the result is better than the performance. If you can get a result when you’re not playing well that’s a good sign.”