Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang admits he’s been struggling for form this season, but he’s positive he can turn that around now.

arsenal v newcastle united fa cup third round 3
LONDON, ENGLAND: Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring their side’s first goal on January 09, 2021. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

For his first two-and-a-half seasons with Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hardly ever faltered. He scored 10 goals in half a campaign under Arsene Wenger, then 31 and 29 in his next two full seasons respectively.

That last campaign was capped off with a brace against Chelsea in the FA Cup final, and he kicked off 2020/21 with a goal to win the Community Shield. So that should give some context as to why five goals in his next 17 appearances is seen as so disappointing.

Aubameyang has set such consistently high standards in front of goal that this drought seems to have come from nowhere. The player doesn’t deny he’s having a down period, though he’s staying optimistic.

“From the beginning of this season, I was struggling a lot, but I think this is part of football,” Aubameyang said.

“We gave a lot at the end of the season to win the FA Cup and to qualify for the Europa League because it was really important for the club.

“Sometimes you have ups and downs and you have to manage as best you can. I tried my best and, until now, it was not the best performance from me. I’m still positive. I think I can turn this around.”

Aubameyang scored late on against Newcastle United at the weekend, and Arsenal are in good form as a team, taking the pressure off him a bit. The next few games are now an opportunity to get his season back on track.