Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Why Gabonese Striker Is Surplus to Requirements at Chelsea

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has continued to struggle at Stamford Bridge outfit Chelsea
• Many had tipped the former Arsenal star to become an integral member of the Blues squad, but he seems to be struggling
• Aubameyang who scored 68 league goals for Arsenal has only managed to score one league goal since joining the Blues

Gabonese international Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seems to be struggling at London club Chelsea since arriving at the Stamford Bridge outfit in September 2022.

Many had tipped the former Arsenal striker to lead the Blues to glory this season, but he has performed far below expectations.

Aubameyang has practically become a shadow of himself, struggling to get minutes under embattled Blues boss Graham Potter.

The striker has been out-of-favour at Stamford Bridge in recent weeks but appears to be coming back into the fray amid the Blues' recent struggles in front of goal.

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Less impact in the Premier League for the Blues

The 33-year-old has not been able to replicate his Arsenal form since leaving Barcelona to join Chelsea at the beginning of the season.

So far, Aubameyang has just managed to feature in 11 Premier League matches for the Blues and scored just one goal.

During his time with Arsenal, the striker had 68 league goals in the English topflight in 128 matches after five seasons.

However, he has started on a poor note for Chelsea, as he struggles to get into the matchday squad, which could be giving him concern.

The forward replaced Raheem Sterling in the 83rd minute during their 2-0 loss to Tottenham.

Inheriting the No.9 shirt at Chelsea which seems to be ‘cursed’

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Most of the players who wore the No.9 shirt at Chelsea lasted just one season because the manager and fans did not give them a second chance.

Radamel Falcao and Gonzalo Higuain were already beyond their prime when they moved to Chelsea, hence less impact at the club.

Hernan Crespo, Alvaro Morata and Romelu Lukaku were let go after spending just one season with the club as many suggest that the No.9 shirt is cursed.

According to Mainstand, superstition may play a prominent part in football, but Chelsea’s striker ‘curse’ reeks more of pressure and mismanagement.

Removed from Champions League squad

Despite his reputation as a lethal goal scorer, manager Potter decided to leave Aubameyang out of Chelsea’s 25-man Champions League squad.

There was no space for the Gabonese alongside $42 million January signing Benoit Badiashile, however, British record transfer Enzo Fernandez was included.

It was a shocking decision for Potter to leave the Gabonese out of that squad, but the idea came after Chelsea signed eight new players during the January transfer window.

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Chelsea’s head coach said via Guardian:

“He was the one that missed out, he’s done nothing wrong at all. Whichever decision there was always going to be a debate. It was my decision, a tough decision. Nothing bad against him.

“I understand his disappointment but I’ve got a responsibility to make these decisions and articulate them to the player. He handled it well and trained well today."

Looked to have passed his peak

At the age of 33, no doubt Aubameyang seems to have passed his peak. It is also safe to say that the striker is already in the twilight of his remarkable career.

No doubt he will remain an Arsenal icon who also scored great goals in a short spell with the Spanish club Barcelona.

Auba’s move to Chelsea is proving to be a sham, although he could return to his blistering scoring form, which looks so bleak.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that the past few months have been the most difficult for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

He has shuttled between three clubs across two leagues and was denied the move to a fourth in January by FIFA rules.

The former CAF Player of the Year excused himself and travelled to Milan and was spotted playing five-aside in his complete Chelsea kit, which he uploaded on his Instagram story.