CAPTAIN’S MATERIAL: Gunners boss Arteta revealed he was not convinced about Aubameyang's mentality before he took charge, but watching his skipper tracking back to help defend in the closing stages won over the Spaniard. PHOTO: AFP
LONDON: Mikel Arteta admitted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has erased any doubts about his commitment after Arsenal's captain led by example with a double in their 3-2 win against Everton on Sunday.
For much of a troubled season Arsenal have been written off as also-rans in the battle to qualify for the Champions League.
But, recovering from the wreckage of the Unai Emery era, their revival under Arteta is gathering pace.
Rocked by Dominic Calvert-Lewin's first-minute goal at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal equalised through Eddie Nketiah and took the lead thanks to Aubameyang.
Richarlison levelled for Everton to cap a dramatic first half, but Gabon striker Aubameyang had the final word seconds after the break.
Gunners boss Arteta revealed he was not convinced about Aubameyang's mentality before he took charge, but watching his skipper tracking back to help defend in the closing stages won over the Spaniard.
"Before I took over I had my questions about him but he showed his commitment. I wanted him to show if he wanted to do it and do it physically," Arteta said. "I'm so happy with him. He is scoring important goals and as a captain he is giving a great example to everyone else with the way he is working defensively."
Arsenal climbed above Everton into ninth place and sit four points behind fifth-placed Manchester United.
With second-placed Manchester City banned from European competitions for the next two years, as it stands finishing fifth could secure Champions League action pending the result of City's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
There is growing belief at Arsenal that they could take advantage of the punishment for Arteta's former club.
The Gunners are now unbeaten in their last 10 games in all competitions, including seven without defeat in the league after a second successive victory.
"I'm really pleased with the performance. It's not easy to play three times in seven days, we got back late from Greece, and then to concede an early goal as well," Arteta said. "That asks questions of you. The team reacted really well. This is the reaction I am hoping for when we face disappointment. It's the best week since I've been here.”
Fernandes lifts Manchester United
Manchester United moved onto the shoulder of fourth-placed Chelsea on Sunday after brushing aside lowly Watford as Wolves and Arsenal also staked their claims for Champions League football next season.
With runaway leaders Liverpool looking certain to win the Premier League, attention has switched to the race for European places, with just 10 points separating Chelsea from Southampton, in 12th spot.
New signing Bruno Fernandes opened his goalscoring account for United at Old Trafford from the penalty spot before impressive second-half goals from Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood sealed a 3-0 win.
It means United, who have struggled to find consistency all season, are now in fifth place on 41 points, just three adrift of Chelsea.
United paid tribute to the late Harry Gregg, hero of the 1958 Munich air disaster, before kick-off at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised his new signing, who picked up the man-of-the-match award for his display against Watford, languishing second from bottom of the table.
"He has done fantastic," said the Norwegian boss. "He has given everyone a boost. He wants the ball all the time, he wants to conduct the play. I am very pleased for him. He has done something to the crowd. He shows the attributes of a Manchester United player. He is a great addition to the squad."
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