Chelsea Striker Aubameyang Touched the Ball Nine Times on His Return to Arsenal

• Arsenal made light work of Chelsea with a dominant first-half display to win 3-1
• The London derby was not much of a contest as the Gunners strolled by the Blues
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a disappointing return to the Emirates Stadium

Chelsea's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a performance he would want to quickly forget, on his first return to the Emirates Stadium since his departure from Arsenal in 2022.

The Gabonese was trusted to start against his former club - his first start since October, which was also against Arsenal in the 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge under Graham Potter.

The Gunners were the better side, and it showed in the result, with a 3-1 victory sealed in the first half by a brace from Martin Odegaard and one goal from Gabriel Jesus.

Chelsea got a consolation in the second half through January signing, Noni Madueke, but it was too late to have any impact as the Blues lost their sixth straight game under Frank Lampard.

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Aubameyang's dismal stat against Arsenal

Aubameyang's return was not what he would have envisioned. According to Sky Sports, he made nine touches on the ball, four of which were from kickoff before he was hooked off at half-time for Kai Havertz.

The French-Gabonese was booed each time he touched the ball, due to leaving Arsenal on bad terms in 2022 after falling out with head coach, Mikel Arteta.

The former Borussia Dortmund striker had a six-month stint at Barcelona before joining Chelsea for £12 million on the deadline day of last summer, but only played 59 minutes under Thomas Tuchel, who signed him.

According to Metro UK, he rejected a move to MLS side, Los Angeles FC despite being frozen out of the Champions League squad by Potter, a decision that returned to haunt both the club and the player.

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The last time a Chelsea striker had fewer touches was Romelu Lukaku, with seven touches in 90 minutes against Crystal Palace last season, as reported by Goal.

Inter Milan wants Aubameyang

Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Italian giants, Inter Milan wanting Aubameyang as a signing in the summer, but only on a free transfer.

The Nerazzurri want Auba to replace on-loan Chelsea striker, Lukaku, who is set to end his loan term in the summer and return to the club.