Aubameyang doubles up for Arsenal
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Arsenal put on a late show to beat Stoke City at the Emirates.
Once again there were thousands of empty seats at the Emirates as Arsenal fans made it clear they are not happy with performances that have left them out of contention for a return to the Champions League next season — via the Premier League at least.
There was hardly anything to report from an exceptionally dull first half. Xherdan Shaqiri saw an early effort curl just wide of the upright, while at the other end Aaron Ramsey saw a header go behind off the top of the bar.
Arsenal improved after the break, as Danny Welbeck fired wide before Mohamed Elneny had an effort blocked and Nacho Monreal’s shot was saved by Jack Butland.
But it was Stoke who came closest to scoring as Shaqiri’s inswinging corner evaded everyone and came back off the far post.
Aubameyang then had his first sight of goal when played in by Mesut Ozil, but Butland was equal to it as the Gabon international tried to lift the ball over him.
The Gunners finally did get in front 15 minutes from time when Bruno Martins Indi brought down Ozil inside the area, and Aubameyang sent Butland the wrong way with the resulting spot kick.
Ozil almost got on the scoresheet himself four minutes from time, but Butland clawed the ball behind for the corner. And Aubameyang then netted his second from the set piece, finishing well with a first-time shot.
Gloss was added to the scoreline in the 89th minute when Stoke conceded another penalty, this time when Badou Ndiaye needlessly pushed substitute Alexandre Lacazette over. But Aubameyang didn’t step up to complete his hat trick, Lacazette instead getting in on the act.
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