Mikel Arteta says Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was never in "a sad mode" despite his run of games without a goal, although the Arsenal striker was "upset" by his poor form and was always determined to rediscover his scoring touch to help the Gunners.
Aubameyang endured a slow start to the season, netting just three times in the Premier League before Christmas as Arsenal plummeted close to the relegation places, however, he has started to look like his old self and netted a hat-trick in the 4-2 win over Leeds earlier this month.
The 31-year-old was on the mark again on Thursday night, scoring twice, including a late winner, as Arsenal beat Benfica 3-2 to reach the Europa League last 16, and Arteta has praised his player for always working hard even when the goals would not come.