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Piers Morgan launches into huge rant at Mikel Arteta after Aubameyang nets twice in El Clasico

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Barcelona celeb during El Clasico as Barcelona win 4-0 against Real Madrid

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has come on the receiving end of some strong criticism from Piers Morgan after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice during Barcelona’s 4-0 win at Real Madrid in El Clasico.

The Gabon striker had lost his way at Arsenal, having been excluded from the squad prior to the 2-1 defeat at Everton in early December. The then-Arsenal captain was punished having breached team protocols in what was to prove the final straw for Arteta.

As a result, Aubameyang lost the captaincy and taken away from the first-team picture. But on his huge £350,000 a week wages, it was clear a parting of ways had to happen in January.

As such, Aubameyang was granted a free-transfer move to Barca, the striker taking a huge wage cut in the process. The striker lifted the lid on his exit here with a parting message for Arteta.

Since the move though, Aubameyang has been keen to make up for lost time.

And the striker has quickly found himself among the goals as Xavi looks to steer Barcelona back towards the upper echelons of LaLiga.

Indeed, Aubameyang illustrated his new-found confidence on Sunday night. That’s after he scored a deadly double as Barcelona beat title-winners-elect Real Madrid 4-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

And it takes Aubameyang’s tally to an impressive nine goals in just eight starts for Barcelona.

Twitter meltdown

Witnessing his heroics on Sunday night, Morgan – the controversial journalist and Arsenal supporter – launched into a fierce rant. Taking aim at Arsenal and Arteta, Morgan is clearly unhappy at seeing their former striker put Los Blancos to the sword.

“A free transfer.” Morgan seethed in a tweet after Aubameyang opened the scoring. “WE GAVE HIM AWAY”.

“Another brilliant goal by ⁦@Auba – this time in El Clasico,” he wrote in a separate post. “He’s been the world’s most lethal goal machine since joining Barcelona… And with every goal he scores, he makes Arteta look more absurd for giving him away.”

Aubameyang will take pay cut to go to Barcelona

Aubameyang will take pay cut to go to Barcelona

Aubameyang is ready to take a pay cut to move to Barcelona as striker wants out of Arsenal

Morgan also hailed Aubameyang’s “brilliant back-heel assist” in setting up Ferran Torres for Barcelona’s third.

However, after witnessing Aubameyang score his second of the night, Morgan went off again.

“UPDATE: Aubameyang scores again in El Clasico,” Morgan wrote. “Two goals & one assist so far, and it’s still only the 53rd minute. You watching @m8arteta???”

Fan challenges Morgan on his Aubameyang views

For Arsenal at the time, a parting of ways ultimately seemed the only logical answer for Arteta.

And when one fan reminded Morgan of the striker’s struggles during his later days at Emirates, Morgan was refusing to back down.

“A manager’s job is to manage great talent & get the best out of them, not drive them out of the club,” he said.

“I’m enjoying watching @Auba work his magic for Barca, whilst remaining incredulous & furious that Arsenal gave away such a wonderful world class striker,” he continued. “Trust the process, my a*se.”

Aubameyang made way midway through the second half with Memphis Depay coming on in his place.

The win lifts Barcelona up to third and increases their prospects of playing Champions League football next season.

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