Graham Potter insists that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has always been ‘respectful’ of his former club Arsenal.
Aubameyang appeared in a pre-match trailer ahead of Sunday’s London derby, saying, ‘Arsenal, nothing personal.’ I’m back, I’m blue, and I’m prepared. Let’s get started.’ Gunners fans were enraged, and they were thrilled to see the attacker struggle at Stamford Bridge, with the 33-year-old managing only eight touches in just over an hour.
Potter told TalkSport about his choice to replace Aubameyang, “It was just to get Armando on, use his running power. He’s a player that we believe in as well, so it was a tough afternoon for Pierre, but it wasn’t about him, it’s about the team.”
“As I’ve said before he’s been very respectful to Arsenal, to me, he’s been no problem at all. But it’s part of those decisions that you have to make as a coach.”
The result returned Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table, with Chelsea dropping to seventh place, 13 points behind. Potter also conceded after the game that his team had been defeated by a superior team.
The attacker is expected to be included in Chelsea’s matchday squad against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before facing Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
