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Martin Keown insists Mikel Arteta was RIGHT to make 'big statement' of dropping Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for Slavia Prague clash after the striker's anonymous display in miserable Liverpool defeat

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, and the Invincibles defender believes Arteta made the right call.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was benched by Mikel Arteta for Arsenals' Slavia Prague clash

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 striker had a miserable game against Liverpool and was one of the worst performers

'It's a big statement,' Keown said on BT Sport punditry duty.