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Football

27th Nov 2021

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang misses absolute sitter for Arsenal against Newcastle United

Callum Boyle

It honestly gets worse every time you see it

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang missed the simplest of chances for Arsenal in the first half of their game against Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Gunners have been in control of possession for large spells of the game at the Emirates but will have gone in at half-time wondering how on earth they aren’t 1-0 up.

All the hard work had been done in the build up after Bukayo Saka took the ball into the box before toying with defender Emil Krath.

Keeping the ball close to his feet Saka waited for the perfect moment before clipping the ball into the path of Emile Smith-Rowe who was only denied by Martin Dubravka’s excellent stop to prevent his header nestling into the net.

As the ball fell to Aubameyang, you would’ve bet your house on him tucking home the rebound, but the Gabon international – incredibly – managed not to.

Instead, his effort from very close range was leathered against the post before Newcastle dealt with the danger and cleared the ball away.

Every time you watch, it really does get worse.

Whilst Dubravka has been in form on one end, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale is also continuing his fine start to life at the Gunners as he pulled off yet another impressive save.

Jonjo Shelvey was able to line up a curling shot from the edge of the box which called the former Bournemouth shot-stopper into action as he tipped the ball over the bar – receiving a standing ovation for doing so.

Eddie Howe is taking charge of his first Newcastle game on the touchline – after he missed his first official game against Brentford due to self-isolating and is looking to secure the Magpies’ first three points of the season.

Meanwhile a win for Arsenal will help them in their quest to remain in contention for a place in the top four.