Mikel Arteta has backed Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to prove his recent goal drought was just a blip.
Gabon star Aubameyang had gone four matches without scoring until hitting the winner in Thursday's 2-1 Europa League victory at Rapid Vienna.
The 31-year old has been Arsenal's most dangerous forward since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018, but he was still singled out for criticism following his barren spell this term.
His anonymous displays during defeats at Liverpool and Manchester City were especially frustrating for Arsenal fans.
But Aubameyang has scored 19 goals in 29 appearances for Arsenal since Arteta's appointment in December and the Gunners boss has no doubts his player can cope with the great expectations.
Arteta also claimed the calibre of recent opposition inevitably led to Aubameyang having a tougher time.
Aubameyang has been largely deployed on the left flank in recent months by Arteta, a move which saw him flourish in FA Cup wins over City and Chelsea last season.
Arteta did move him into a central position against Sheffield United this season and he knows there will always be questions about his use of the talisman.
