Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has lambasted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for his recent performances and has questioned whether the player’s new contract has taken the edge away from the Gunners captain.

The 31-year-old has scored just one goal from open play in the Premier League so far this season, and his recent poor performances have prompted Merson to ask what he brings to the table:

“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been atrocious. What does he bring to the party? Absolutely nothing at the moment. You need big performances from your big players when things aren’t going well. Arsenal aren’t getting that. That’s a dangerous thing. Has Aubameyang relaxed too much after signing his contract? Only he can answer that. But he’s not earning his money.”

It’s true that Aubameyang’s hold-up play since moving to the centre-forward position has been almost nonexistent and his lack of touches on the ball means he is not really helping in the build-up to Arsenal’s attacks.

With the Gabonese international not getting on the scoresheet either, Merson is right to ask what the forward is actually offering the team at the moment. If he pops up with the winner against Spurs in the derby this evening, though, his recent struggles in front of goal will all be forgiven.