Pierre Emerick Aubameyang Scored A Brace as Arsenal Increased Stoke City’s Woes

A Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang brace and a Lacazatte penalty all in the last 15 minutes saw Arsenal add woes to Stoke City’s already distraught season.

The international break ended last week but the game was played at a pace that would have made even the dullest of last week’s friendlies look like a high tempo, breakneck encounter.

After making seven changes in the starting line-up, Arsenal’s first half slow start wasn’t a surprise. The Potters managed to hold off Arsene Wenger’s men for much of the contest but conceded two late penalties gifting Arsenal the game.

Gabon International Aubameyang opened the scoring from a controversial penalty as referee Craig Pawson faulted Bruno Martins Indi for fouling Mesut Ozil, only for the replays to show otherwise.

Aubameyang converted the penalty with class and soon scored a second from a Mesut Ozil corner before substitute Alexander Lacazette marked his return from injury with the second penalty.

Auba could have wrapped up his hat trick but decided to give Lacazette the final penalty as a thoughtful gesture welcoming the French international from injury.

Arsenal who look to have shifted their attention to Thursday’s Europa League quarter final in Russia despite the lackluster performance managed to keep a grip on sixth place seven points ahead of Burnely.

Stoke on the other hand is now 19th, three points from safety with six games remaining and has to pull a rabbit out of the hat if they are to survive relegation this season.

Featured Image: Courtesy of Rex  Features