Olympique de Marseille, under the stewardship of Marcelino, are unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season. However, questions are being raised over the performance of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the club just two points behind league leaders PSG.
Olympique de Marseille, managed by Marcelino, are currently undefeated in Ligue 1, sitting in fourth position just two points behind league leaders PSG.
Despite this strong showing, there has been increasing scrutiny over the performance of the club’s high-profile signing, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang moved to Marseille during the summer window to fill the gap left by Alexis Sánchez, who moved to Inter Milan after a highly successful season at Marseille.
Although Aubameyang demonstrated initial promise with two goals against Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifiers, his form in Ligue 1 has yet to catch fire, resembling his time at Chelsea more than his time at Arsenal or Borussia Dortmund.
Performance under the lens
The Gabonese forward’s performance has been closely examined by French media.
L’Équipe, a leading sports publication, gave Aubameyang a rating of 4 for his performance against Toulouse and stated, “The Gabonese sniper is yet to register a goal in the Championship, a scenario few would have predicted at the start of August.”
La Provence, a local newspaper, issued a similar rating, comparing Aubameyang unfavourably to his predecessor, Alexis Sanchez. “Five league games have passed, and the summer’s star signing is yet to score a single goal. While he has created some opportunities, his overall impact and hunger to make a difference seem lacking. The shadow of Sánchez looms large,” said the newspaper.
Pivotal opportunities ahead
Aubameyang faces two crucial matches that may decide public perception.
First up is Marseille’s Europa League match against Ajax this Thursday. The European fixture offers an opportunity for Aubameyang to regain his scoring form.
Following this, Marseille will play against PSG in a much-anticipated Ligue 1 clash on Sunday. These matches could either alleviate concerns or fuel further doubts about Aubameyang’s effectiveness in the squad.
The high stakes of expectation
Aubameyang arrived at the Vélodrome stadium amid lofty expectations, largely due to his stellar career and the void he was meant to fill.
His slow start has led to questions about his ability to live up to the hype, especially when contrasted with the team’s overall good form.
With upcoming fixtures against both Ajax in the Europa League and PSG in Ligue 1, the scrutiny is only likely to intensify.
Since leaving Arsenal, where he scored 92 goals in 163 appearances, Aubameyang has scored 18 goals in 52 matches, with 13 of those coming during his 24 games with Barcelona.