Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has rejected claims insinuating that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could become another Mesut Ozil owing to his recent dip in form.
The Gabonese striker, who penned a new three-year contract last summer, has seen his form descend this season and further confined to the bench in recent weeks.
Aubameyang was also dropped from the squad that faced Tottenham in a keenly contested north London derby which they fought from a goal down to win 2-1.
The striker’s situation at the Emirates has been likened to that of Ozil, who vastly under-performed while being on huge wages before eventually being exiled by Arteta.
Meanwhile, the Spaniard has acted indifferent about such comparisons.
He said: “I’m always positive about the future but once you think about things that happen in the past or compare different situations and personalities I won’t do that.”
Asked whether Aubameyang was committed to the Gunners’ cause, the Spaniard added: “Totally.”
Aubameyang came on as a 78th-minute substitute against Slavia Prague in the Europa League and assisted Nicolas Pepe’s opener before his side let in a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates.
Arteta was pleased with the Gabonese international’s impact off the bench.
“Yes because we talked before – in the Europa League everyone has contributed in different ways, the whole squad has been involved and yesterday’s role for him (was) he was sat on the bench and to make an impact and he made an impact,” he said,
“He assisted Nico and should have scored a tap-in with his left foot and that’s what the players have to do when they come in.”
The Gunners return to Premier League action on Sunday as they visit relegation-bound Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
One win in the last four league games has made European qualification difficult through the league as they sit seven points behind sixth-placed Spurs and nine behind fifth-placed Chelsea.
