BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal’s season very much depends on the form of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The striker scored the winner against Norwich City last weekend, and Ferdinand feels that if the Gabonese international can lift his game to the level we have seen in past seasons, it could lead to the Gunners moving up the table:

“The biggest thing for you guys is that Aubameyang scored, your talisman, if he plays well and scored goals Arsenal will jump up the league. Since he signed his new deal he’s struggled for form, he’s struggled for goals. He’s got that goal now, so let’s see you boys start motoring.”

It is a rather simplistic explanation from Ferdinand, to be honest with you. Aubameyang’s form has undoubtedly dipped since the beginning of last campaign, but there are other factors that have to be taken into consideration.

Under manager Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have struggled to create goalscoring opportunities, which will inevitably impact Aubameyang’s ability to score goals.

On top of that, there is no guarantee that the Gabonese forward will be able to return to the form he has shown in the past. He is, after all, now 32 years of age, and supporters may have to face up to the possibility that his game is naturally declining.