Mikel Arteta right to have Arsenal stars running ‘scared’, claims pundit

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has offered his stern backing to Mikel Arteta after dropping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Sunday.

Striker Aubameyang faced the axe for arriving late to a team meeting ahead of the north London derby.

But despite starting on the bench, he did not come on as a substitute as the Gunners won 2-1.

Gary Lineker warned manager Arteta that he is playing a “dangerous game” with Aubameyang, whose influence as captain stretches throughout the dressing room.

According to Parlour, though, Arteta got his decision spot on by reminding his other players of the consequences of poor discipline.

“I totally agree with Mikel Arteta, nobody is bigger than the team,” Parlour told talkSPORT.

“I know Aubameyang is a very important player, captain as well, you’ve got to lead by example. There’s no excuse for being late.

“I think Arteta did a really good interview after the game, saying it’s dealt with and Aubameyang is available for Thursday. The matter’s closed.

Mikel Arteta plays down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang absence

Mikel Arteta plays down Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang absence

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down his decision to demote Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the bench for the north London derby against Tottenham for a 'disciplinary breach'

“That’s what you’ve got to do, it stays in the dressing room.”

Parlour added that Arteta could well find better application from his players from instilling the fear of action for lateness.

Arteta right over Aubameyang decision

Aubameyang.Arsenal.TEAMtalk

“Why should Mikel Arteta start opening a can of worms? The public don’t need to know,” the pundit added.

“Everyone will be a bit scared now, knowing they can’t be late. If he gets away with it and someone else is late, and they get dropped, then there’s a problem in the dressing room.

“I think it was the right thing to do. It could’ve gone wrong but you’ve stamp your authority and say you can’t do that.


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“I think it’s disrespectful to the other players as well.”

Aubameyang will look to stamp his mark again when Arsenal face Olympiacos in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie on Thursday.

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