Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta sent a crucial message to his players by dropping captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Thursday night, according to Martin Keown.
The Gunners striker was a key lowlight in what Keown described as 'the most disappointing performance under Arteta', as Liverpool brushed aside a lacklustre Arsenal on Saturday.
Willian came in to replace Aubameyang for the Europa League quarter-final clash with Slavia Prague, with the captain coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute in the 1-1 draw.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was benched by Mikel Arteta for Arsenals' Slavia Prague clash
The striker had a miserable game against Liverpool and was one of the worst performers
The Gabon international injected energy into the side, with Keown insisting it was 'the real Aubameyang' who appeared despite missing a sitter.