Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang ended a run of five Premier League games without a goal by opening the scoring against Newcastle United on Monday night.
After a goalless first half, the Gabonese frontman opened the scoring in the 50th minute, taking Thomas Partey’s ball on the halfway line before striding forward and, unchallenged, rifling a shot into the roof of the net.
It was the Arsenal skipper’s first goal in the league since December 16 and certainly meant a lot to him.
The often seen front flip celebration came out as he wheeled away, but there was more to the celebration too.
It took until the second half, but Arsenal’s dominance on the ball ultimately paid off as the Gunners eased past an overmatched Newcastle side 3-0 on Monday.
A pair of goals by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a 60th-minute strike by Bukayo Saka propelled Arsenal to victory after a tentative opening half brought flashbacks of last week’s uninspiring scoreless draw with Crystal Palace. However, a motivated Arsenal side ensured that it would not be repeating that Palace letdown as the Gunners played a spirited second-half punctuated by the trio of goals.
It actually could’ve been worse for Newcastle, who allowed 20 shots (six on target) while ceding 67 percent possession to the hosts. Regardless, the result is the same as the Gunners continue their good form while the Magpies inch closer to the dreaded relegation zone.
Footballers across the country have been told not to hug during their celebrations for goals, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that continues to sweep the globe.
The Premier League sent out guidelines to clubs last week asking for players to avoid coming into close contact, including hugging during goal celebrations.
But those guidelines have been ignored by a number of clubs, whose players, in the heat of the moment, could not hold back their celebrations.
And Arsenal were in the same boat.
After his front flip, Aubameyang was mobbed by his teammates, with them all hugging after his opening goal.
However, after a few seconds, Granit Xhaka stopped them and they fanned out a little – socially distancing – before all clapping each other and running off.
The celebration was a nod to the calls for players to keep socially distanced where possible. The FA are continuing to monitor Premier League clubs and Arsenal’s celebration will not be the only one that could fall foul of FA rules.
