Aubameyang sends message to Unai Emery about changing position for Arsenal

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has told Unai Emery that he is happy to play on the left wing if Alexandre Lacazette is selected as a central striker. Emery has faced a dilemma ahead of the new season with both Aubameyang and Lacazette competing for the role as Arsenal’s spearhead in attack. Aubameyang started as the central striker in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday but his role changed when Lacazette replaced Aaron Ramsey in the second half. When asked about his relationship with Lacazette, Aubameyang said: ‘We really get on well. ‘There is a spark between us when we are both on the pitch together.

Aubameyang has also called for patience from Arsenal fans as the players adapt to Emery’s playing style. ‘We still need some time to adapt to the new manager and to integrate the new players,’ said Aubameyang. ‘It is hard to test ourselves in a first game like this against City because they are so strong.

‘We have to stay positive, work on the things we did well and improve on the rest. ‘We will have a better idea next weekend after the Chelsea game. ‘The message of the new coach is all about showing character, to put a lot of intensity, play high up the pitch and implement a big pressing. ‘That’s the style we will play this season.’

The Gunners suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to champions Manchester City in their Premier League opener yesterday.

Unai Emery failed to get off to a dream start after replacing Arsene Wenger in the summer. And the Spaniard has his work cut out to get Arsenal back into Champions League contention this season.

Arsenal missed some golden chances on Sunday as they could not find a way past City keeper Ederson. Aubameyang was accompanied by Alexandre Lacazette in attack in the second half. And while the pair linked up well, looking sharp for the hosts, neither is off the mark yet.

Life does not get any easier for Emery, Aubameyang and Co. as they travel across to London to play rivals Chelsea next on Saturday . The Blues comfortably saw off Huddersfield 3-0 in their first game under Maurizio Sarri.

But Aubameyang says Arsenal will be competing under Emery this term.

Intensity has been stressed in their approach going forward.

And the ex-Borussia Dortmund hitman is ready to fire in the goals for the Gunners.

“It was beneficial for me to arrive at Arsenal last January so I had six months to get used to the league, the country, the culture so I could be ready for my first full season,” Aubemeyang said.

“It was not easy at the beginning six months ago. It was such a big change.

“It was hard to find the rhythm, especially physically.

“But this time, I am ready. I could have done better today [Sunday] but I am staying positive. I am really feeling good.

“Collectively, we want to play every competition to the maximum. We can’t hide.

“It would be great to end the season with one or more trophies. The league is obviously the priority because it has been a while since Arsenal won it.

“It will be complicated, though, and we know that.

“Personally, I want to contribute as much as possible with goals and assists. I don’t have a figure in mind but I really [think] it will be a very good season like the ones I had in the past at Dortmund.

“We still need some time to adapt to the new manager and to integrate the new players.

“It is hard to test ourselves in a first game like this against City because they are so strong. We have to stay positive, work on the things we did well and improve on the rest.

“We will have a better idea next weekend after the Chelsea game.

“The message of the new coach is all about showing character, to put a lot of intensity, play high up the pitch and implement a big pressing. That’s the style we will play this season.

“We really get on well. There is a spark between us when we are both on the pitch together. We look for each other, we saw it today [Sunday] against City when he came on. I don’t mind playing on the left if Laca is in the centre. We both want to do our best for the team.”